Coping With Loss: Miami Dolphins Edition

Losing at the last minute on a freak play is never fun. There’s no way to spin it otherwise. And that goes double when the Patriots should be AFC East champs right now. However, that’s not how it shook out, and the Patriots yet again dropped a game to the Miami Dolphins.

But not to worry. All is not as bad as it seems. Here are five positives we can all take away from Sunday’s loss.

It’s Miami. I don’t know what it is about that stadium, but I think it’s time to just accept that the Patriots don’t win there. Other teams circle their game against New England as a loss when the schedule first comes out, and it’s probably time for us to start circling at Miami as a loss until we actually get evidence that gives us cause to believe otherwise. I mean, this game was in the bag. The Fins had no timeouts and had to go 70 yards, and they found a way to do it. I wish I knew what it was about the universe and winning games in Miami that just doesn’t vibe with New England, but it’s just one of those things. Getting upset about New England losing in Miami is like getting upset that the Harlem Globetrotters beat the Washington Generals; it’s just going to happen, so what can you do.

Offense looked good. Usually when the Patriots drop a game to the Fins, Tommy B looks off. His throws are inacurrate. He makes poor decisions. He has a bad gane overall. But on Sunday, other than some horrible clock management and accuracy towards the end of the first half, the Patriots offense was very solid. If Ghost had just made an extra point, or kicked one extra field goal, Patriots win this game. What can you do.

Texans lost too. This game ultimately didn’t end up having any impact on playoff positioning, as the Texans lost to the Colts on Sunday as well. Sure, it would have been great to get a full game lead on Houston with a win, but again.New England just can’t win in Miami for whatever reason. So they’re still in the drivers seat for a first round bye and the two seed in the AFC. Plus, the last few times the Patriots made the Super Bowl, they lost to the Dolphins. So maybe this will all work out for the best.

One more road game. New England isn’t a good road team in 2018. They aren’t. They’re 3-4 on the road this year. So thank Tebow that there’s only one more road game left on the schedule. I wish it was pretty much any other team besides the Steelers, but what can you do. I’m just glad that by this time next week, the Patriots will be at home for the rest of the year and at least one game in the postseason.

It’s the holidays! How upset can anyone really be this time of year? Work is starting to wrap up, break is right around the corner, and there are pounds and pounds of delicious baked goods on every countertop. The Patriots are still making the playoffs, and they’re still going to be fine. So make things merry and bright for you and yours!