Miami Gardens, FL-
So it was only one game and we get it but Miami Dolphin fans left Hard Rock Stadium in a rather celebratory mood after they dismantled the New England Patriots 20-7 in the 2022 season opener for both teams.
Tua Tagovailoa had a rather uneven performance but he was just good enough to frustrate the Pats again. The Hawaiian-born quarterback is now 4-0 against New England to start his career. He’s the only QB with at least four starts to remain undefeated against New England in the Bill Belichick era. Wow.
In addition, Tagovailoa is one of only two players with a winning record against The Hoodie in New England .
Belichick widely regarded as a defensive genius has yet to get a W off of the Alabama product for the fins.
New Coach Mike McDaniel made it clear that these ain’t the same ole Dolphins, not under his watch.
Miami led 10-0 with 24 seconds remaining in the first half, facing a fourth-and-7 from the New England 42-yard line. Instead of the typically safe half-ending punt, McDaniel decided to go for it.
Tua hit speedster Jaylen Waddle over the middle, and Waddle sprinted the rest of the way to the end zone completing a 42 yard score to put the Fins up 17-0 before cruising to a 20-7 victory.
It’s early but things may be a little different this season in Miami. We will surely find out.
On a side note the Dolphins payed homage to the family of the late team SVP of Communications Jason Jenkins by making them honorary game captains on Sunday. It was a heartwarming gesture by the team.