Miami Dolphins 30, New York Jets 9
Two long-time AFC East rivals met Sunday in a battle in New York. The Jets barely escaped with a victory in their first meeting in Miami. The Jets have never swept the Dolphins since Rex Ryan has been head coach. The Dolphins would keep this streak alive Sunday. Miami showed up ready to play with an extra week to prepare. On the other side, the Jets failed to show up. Miami completely dominated the game. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill left the game early with a leg injury, but it did not matter. Matt Moore filled in for the injured Tannehill and did not miss a beat. Much of the pressure was lifted off Moore by an outstanding performance by the Miami' defense and special teams.
Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez continued with his struggles this season. The Jets could not sustain a drive longer than 10 yards until late in the first half. To add to the Jets limp offense, the normally solid Jets special teams were exposed by Miami. The Phins and Olivier Vernon lit up the Jets by blocking a punt for a touchdown and also blocking a Jets field goal attempt. The Phins special teams also caught the Jets off guard with a surprise onside kick. It was a much needed victory for Miami as they try to keep pace with the first place New England Patriots.
The Jets enter into their bye week with a lot of questions to answer. With Sanchez and the offense struggling the Jet fans are clamoring for Tim Tebow. Will the Jets turn to Tebow or will they rest their fate in the hands of a beaten down Sanchez? In South Florida the surprising Dolphins have now won three straight and continue to keep pace with the Patriots. Next week they travel to face another surprising 4-3 team in the Indianapolis Colts.
New England Patriots 45, St. Louis Rams 7
The Patriots and the Rams faced off Sunday in the NFL’s annual game in London. For the Patriots this is their second time playing in London. The Rams would be the designated home team in this contest. Normally the Rams are tough to beat at home but this is not St. Louis.
The Rams started the game like they were the better team, scoring on the first drive of the game but this would be their only score of the game. The Patriots showed why they were the better team by scoring on their next five possessions. New England completely dominated the Rams finishing the game with a final score of 45-7.
New England quarterback Tom Brady showed no signs of jet lag as he passed for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Brady continues to spread the ball well on offense. New England receiver Brandon Lloyd had a pair of touchdown catches and all-world tight end Rob Gronkowski had eight catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Everyone knows New England can hurt you through the air but lately they have been more balanced running the ball effectively. This trend continued this week in London. New England running back Stevan Ridley ran for 127 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots finished the game with an impressive 152 yards rushing. Both teams have a bye next and will resume play in two weeks.