Sunday, December 14, 2014

NE Mauls Miami, Clinches AFC East

For the 12th time in the past 14 years, the New England Patriots are AFC East champs.

The Patriots clinched the division crown with their 11th win of the season, a 41-13 mauling of the Miami Dolphins at Gillette. The first half was very close, with New England taking a 14-13 lead into the locker room. The Pats then proceeded to explode for 24 third quarter points--most in franchise history--by scoring on four straight possessions. The Dolphins were unable to counterattack, getting shutout in the second half as New England sailed off to another easy home win (the verage margin of victory in their last four home games: 25.75 points)

Tom Brady tossed both of his touchdown passes in that prolific third quarter; the first to Rob Gronkowski and the second to Julian Edelman. Brady finished the day with 287 yards on 21/35 passing. He was also New England's second-leading rusher with 18 yards on three attempts (Jonas Gray escaped from Bill Belichick's dog house long enough to rack up 62 yards on the ground).

Today's game featured another solid effort by the New England defense, which allowed fewer than 15 points for the third time in four games. The Pats picked off Ryan Tannehill twice and forced three fumbles, none of which were recovered. The Patriots D should have another strong outing against the Jets next Sunday.

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