Patriots-Dolphins takeaways: Too little, too late for Pats offense in Week 2 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

For the first time in 22 years, the New England Patriots are 0-2 to begin the NFL season.

Bill Belichick’s group failed to bounce back from its Week 1 loss to the Philadephia Eagles as it dropped Sunday night’s showdown vs. the Miami Dolphins, 24-17. Miami now owns sole possession of first place in the AFC East while New England sits alone in the cellar.

It was an efficient, albeit underwhelming night for Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. The third-year signal-caller completed 31 of his 42 passes for 231 yards, but notched only one touchdown with one costly interception. Miami’s defense put constant pressure on Jones while limiting big plays. And while Jones put together a couple of impressive drives in crunch time, it was too little, too late for New England’s inconsistent offense.

The Patriots defense utilized a “bend, don’t break” approach against Tua Tagovailoa and the explosive Dolphins wideouts. It proved effective for a while as Tagovailoa was limited to short completions, but Miami eventually broke through. Tagovailoa finished 21-for-30 for 249 yards, one touchdown, and a pick. Star receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill combined for nine catches, 126 yards and one TD.

Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert had 18 carries for 121 yards, including a 43-yard run that proved to be the dagger.

The Patriots had a chance to tie it late in the fourth quarter. On fourth-and-4 with a minute to go, they appeared to earn a first down on a wild last-ditch effort by Mike Gesicki. The ex-Dolphins tight end pitched it to guard Cole Strange, who appeared to extend the drive with a first down. But upon further review, Strange was just short of the marker and Miami escaped Foxboro with the victory.

The Pats will look to tally their first win of the campaign next Sunday when they visit the 1-1 New York Jets. First, here are our takeaways from their Week 2 defeat.

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