Week 4
MIAMI, Fla. -(MP)
Everyone knew that the Dolphins were going to win eventually, but nobody expected it here against such a quality team, with such a quality coach.

The Miami Dolphins (1-3) offense sparked a 55-21 victory over the struggling New England Patriots (1-3). Jay Fiedler led the attack with a 13-23 day for 262 yards, 3 TDs and 0 interceptions. Much of Fiedler's success can be attributed to a steady running game lead by an 80 yard, 2 TD performance by Ricky Williams. The game started in the Patriots' favor as Tom Brady hit Donald Hayes with a 5 yard pass with 3:38 left in the 1st quarter to put New England up 7-0. This was quickly countered with a 3 yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams.

The Dolphins took charge in the second quarter with two quick touchdown passes by Jay Fiedler to Chris Chambers and Oronde Gadsden for 19 and 20 yards, respectively. After an injury sidelined Tom Brady for a few plays, Rohan Davey took charge and kept the Patriots in the game with a 27 yard pass to David Patten with 3:52 left in the second quarter. The Patriots seemed to be in the game only down 21-14 until Jay Fiedler threw his third touchdown pass of the half to Deon Dyer with 6 seconds left in the half. And this seemed to be the dagger in the heart for the Patriots.

Looking sluggish out in the second half, the Patriots fumbled away the slight chance of a comeback as Daryl Gardener recovered a fumble and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown, putting the Dolphins up by 21 and seemingly putting the game out of reach. But as Tom Brady came back, so did the Patriots' hope of a comeback. A well executed drive ended with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Daniel Graham, putting the Patriots 14 points away from tying this game.

However, the Dolphins made sure to put away any hopes of a Patriot comeback in the 4th quarter. In a good clock management scheme, the Dolphins gave Ricky Williams the ball over and over, and he ended up scoring his 2nd TD of the day with a 3 yard run, which put the Dolphins back up by 21. On the ensuing Patriots drive, the Dolphins played stingy defense as Derrick Rodgers picked off a Tom Brady pass and took it to the end zone, thus putting a nail in the coffin for the Patriots. Two Olindo Mare field goals later, the Dolphins had captured their first victory of the season with a surprising victory over the New England Patriots.

Player of the game nominations went to three Dolphin players. Jay Fiedler for having a mistake-free game and throwing for over 250 yards against a good Patriot defense. Ricky Williams for having a breakout game and signifying his importance in this offense. And Marlon Greenwood for his presence on the defensive side of the ball acquiring 4 tackles, a sack, and an interception and just disrupting the Patriots offense.

The Patriots will host the defending champions next week in hope to regain their winning ways as the Miami Dolphins will enjoy a bye week and prepare to head to Jacksonville in Week 6.


JayPeso is a regular contributor to PSX2CML