The 2015 regular season ended with a whimper, but the playoffs should be a lot more exciting. Here's a breakdown of the reactions from the New England Patriots 20-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins
When Marcus Cannon messes up, he messes up in the biggest of ways.
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) January 3, 2016
Human beings aren't supposed to bend this way. That's Brady's foot under Suh. pic.twitter.com/xEisUnvg9n
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) January 3, 2016
It's not a bold claim to say that tackle Marcus Cannon was the best offensive lineman for the Patriots last week, and he almost had quarterback Tom Brady cleaved in two. The rookies and sophomores of left tackle Cameron Fleming, left guard Shaq Mason, center Bryan Stork, and right guard Tre Jackson left much to be desired, and third-year veteran Josh Kline forgot his Wheaties and spent much of the day in Brady's lap.
But man, Cannon, this was the absolute last thing the Patriots needed.
Pats 3rd down play-calling today pic.twitter.com/bK8OUKMXeR
— Fitzy (@FitzyGFY) December 27, 2015
This was from last week against the Jets, but it was still relevant.
I'm going to throw out a suggestion for the 2nd half: Let the best QB ever try some forward passes. #JustCrazyEnoughtoWork
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) January 3, 2016
Tom Brady: *5 passes in 1st half, fewest of his career *20 pass yards in 1st half, his fewest since 7 yds vs Giants in 2003
— Jeremy Lundblad (@JLundbladESPN) January 3, 2016
Head coach Bill Belichick can waive his wand and tell people that the Patriots ran the ball against the Dolphins nickel defense because that's the smart thing to do on paper, but let's be real. He wanted to shorten the game and try to win the second half. It didn't work.
I'm concerned for Nate Ebner, though. He's was reportedly telling Dolphins players after the game that the Patriots wanted to run the ball until they converted a first down. I feel like that's a major no-no in Belichick's books.
JoJo hardly ever makes a play on the ball. He's so complacent compared to last year.
— Lee Schechter (@LeeSchechter) January 3, 2016
Ideally LaFell would try for the ball here. But also needs a little more air under it by Brady. pic.twitter.com/etRmBqFqFX
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) January 4, 2016
Maybe there's something wrong with Brandon LaFell's foot, but seriously, he's fallen off the deep end this season. Belichick points a finger at the fact that LaFell missed the entire off-season, but there's just a weird competitive edge that LaFell isn't showing. These deep throws are atrocious, though. Either go up for the ball and get the defensive pass interference call, or don't even run these plays.
I'm convinced there are years the #Patriots have taken the 4th preseason game more seriously than this one today.
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) January 3, 2016
I think Adam's actually on to something as the Patriots tried to work on their rushing game in the first half. It was a preseason game for Steven Jackson.
Mike Carey says it's incomplete, so it's a catch.
— Greg Knopping (@GregKnopping) January 3, 2016
Big man calling his shot.
Great play design to have Brady fumble and recover himself. #lookingsharp
— Fitzy (@FitzyGFY) January 3, 2016
After going down by 7 in the fourth quarter, the Patriots' response drive: Strip sack, -5 yards Inside handoff, 1 yard Sack, -9 yards
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 3, 2016
And then the Patriots went ahead and collected two penalties before punting the ball. Even though there were five minutes left in the game, I think we all knew it was over at this point. Just a really uninspiring finish to the game.
Tom Brady has set a new career high for completions, passing his previous best of 401 (set in 2011 & 2012). #NEvsMIA
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 3, 2016
So at least he's got that going for him, which is nice.
That was a waste of 3 1/2 hrs. Awful game, awful offense and gameplan. Players got to execute but c'mon, #Pats aren't a run first Off
— Dan Koppen (@koppen67) January 3, 2016
Yeah, can we get our time back?
No?
We're on to the playoffs.