Without Tom Brady or Rob Gronkowski on the field, the Dolphins were down 24-0 just before halftime and trailed 31-3 midway through the third quarter. Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith passed for 186 yards, suffered four sacks and averaged 5.0 yards per attempt. That’s a theme that was repeated throughout the locker room Sunday.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-16 in a repeat of last season’s AFC wild card game, and again it finished in controversial circumstances. Brissett was 6 of 9 for 92 yards.
New England’s third-year quarterback’s return will depend on inflammation of the injury, and Garoppolo’s pain tolerance.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso, right, hits New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) after he threw a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. Garoppolo was injured on the play and did not return to the game. Edelman said the same work put in getting on the same page with Garoppolo must now transfer to Brissett.
The Dolphins, close two weeks in a row, are already two games behind the division leading Patriots and we’re only two game into the season.
Parker caught eight passes for 106 yards, all in the second half, as he helped the Dolphins score three touchdowns to nearly come all the way back from a 24-3 halftime deficit. Finding a quarterback to start that game or back up rookie Jacoby Brissett is now the Patriots’ top priority. He fumbled once – New England recovered – but otherwise took care of the ball, finishing without an interception.
There was a very scary scene in the first half of Sunday’s early games as well.
Coach Bill Belichick was predictably coy at a news conference after the game, choosing not to weigh in on Garoppolo’s health and not saying much about Brissett’s performance. Fox Sports reported that Williams was moving his extremities at a nearby hospital and was being evaluated for a concussion.
“Our coaching staff does a great job of preparing this team”, receiver/special teamer Matthew Slater said. He walked off holding his right arm.
Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, was promoted to backup for the game after being the inactive third-stringer in the Rams’ opening-week loss. Erving cramped late in the game and had discomfort in his upper body.
One of the most glaring defensive disappointments for Miami came on the Patriots’ final possession, when they ran on 10 of 12 plays to burn five minutes. The Chargers lost Keenan Allen last week, so if Woodhead’s injury is serious then San Diego’s offense would take another hit. Dolphins RB Arian Foster, WR Kenny Stills and S Michael Thomas kneeled on the Miami sideline during the national anthem. Once Brady comes back, that quarterback will be let go as the team can not carry four quarterbacks at the same time.
– Tampa Bay tight end Luke Stocker (ankle) left in the first quarter. New England’s second drive mirrored the first with Garoppolo finding Chris Hogan for gains of 19 and 24 yards. Gordon went in standing up, and then right guard D.J. Fluker lifted him off the ground in celebration. He was replaced by Ziggy Hood. He was clearly limping near the end of the game but Belichick noted Bennett had a big game, especially blocking on outside runs.
– Jaguars left tackle Kelvin Beachum had a concussion late in the third quarter. “He’s a baby, and it’s just amusing to see him in the huddle and stuff”.
Miami marched 42 yards to the New England 29 but Duron Harmon picked off Tannehill’s fourth-down pass in the end zone.
It had to have been odd, seeing Brissett’s face in the huddle and seeing his passes firing out from behind the line of scrimmage in a game situation. He’s expected to be further evaluated on Monday.
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– Houston wide receiver Braxton Miller hurt a hamstring and did not return.
