Patriots Presenting A Different Challenge

The Miami Dolphins have won seven of nine against New England since they lost Tom Brady.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) attempts a pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium in 2023. / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Because it's always about the quarterback, much has been made and continues to be about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his record against the New England Patriots.

It makes sense because 6-0 certainly is eye-catching, but it also doesn't tell the whole story.

And it very well might be that the days of the Dolphins dominating New England to this extent won't last much longer because the Patriots finally might have found the answer to their biggest problem of the past five years: a replacement for Tom Brady.

While it's way too early to anoint rookie third-overall pick Drake Maye as a future star, it's undeniable he has looked the part since the Patriots decided to insert him into their starting lineup the week after the Dolphins defeated them at Gillette Stadium.

Check out what Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin had to say about Maye during his appearance on the All Dolphins Podcast earlier this week.

Maye will get his first start against the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, and while we're by no means predicting a big outing for him, it's likely to be a more challenging test for the defense than facing Jacoby Brissett as they did in Week 5.

This also could be the start of a cool QB rivalry within the AFC East.

"Yeah, that's just how this league is," Tagovailoa said. "It's how it goes. I wish him the best in his career that he's just starting. Tough league, but with the right mind-set, with the right people around him surrounding him, I think he'll be doing good."

TUA AGAINST THE PATRIOTS

Considering his record, Tua certainly has done well for himself against the Patriots. Still, the truth is he actually has performed better against certain other teams when you consider he's got two games with a passer rating of 100 or more against the Patriots and one game with 300-plus passing yards. For example, he's got two 100-plus passer rating games against the Chargers in only three career meetings. And he's got two 100-plus passer rating games in only four games against the New York Jets. He's got 300-yard passing performances in both of his games against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

You get the drift.

Tagovailoa didn't accomplish that 6-0 record alone because the defense and running game chipped in.

Another major factor is that the Patriots no longer have Tom Brady at quarterback.

Even in games that Tagovailoa didn't start, the Dolphins are 7-2 against New England since Brady left following the 2019 season. The Dolphins gave up 17 points or less in six of those games.

They have done so against Cam Newton, Mac Jones, and Brissett.

That changes Sunday.

The Patriots have their quarterback, and now it'll be up to Tua and the Dolphins to continue their dominance regardless.

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Further Reading

• Why Tua might be playing the best football of his career