The New England Patriots routed the Miami Dolphins on Monday and easily covered the spread at the online bookmaker and their special teams was the big reason why.The Patriots scored three touchdowns because of their special teams and it was so ugly for Miami that they fired special team’s coordinator John Bonamego on Tuesday. The Patriots won 41-14 against Miami to easily cover the offshore betting number at SBG.
The Patriots blocked two kicks that led to touchdowns and also returned a kickoff 103 yards for another TD. The Dolphins were simply pathetic on special teams and it was not the first time this season. The Dolphins had a punt blocked last week in their loss to the New York Jets. Miami simply had to make a change in their coaching staff after the Monday night debacle.
The Dolphins will be going with assistant special teams coach Darren Rizzi as their new coordinator. Head coach Tony Sparano said the decision to replace Bonamego who was in his 12th NFL season was difficult. While it may have been tough, it had to be done. Bonamego’s special teams unit was a disaster. The game was close until Miami’s special teams gave the game away.
Close Game Turns into an Offshore Betting Rout – The Dolphins actually led 7-6 against the Patriots at the half. You might not remember that based on the 41-14 score. The second half began with New England’s Brandon Tate returning the kickoff for a TD to make it 13-7. Patrick Chung blocked a punt that set up another touchdown which made it 20-7. Chung also blocked a field goal that Kyle Arrington returned 35 yards for a TD which made it 34-14 in the fourth quarter.
Worst Loss Since 2007 – The 41-14 slaughter against the football odds at the online bookmaker was the worst Miami loss since 2007. The Dolphins actually outgained the Patriots by 135 yards but lost the game in a rout. Special teams were the reason why. The defense played well as they limited the Patriots on offense and held Randy Moss without a catch.
Bye Week for Miami and New England – Both the Patriots and the Dolphins have a bye this week and that is good news for Miami who will have time to get their special teams in order.