The Miami Dolphins dropped to 7-10 as they lost 38-10 in their regular season finale against the New England Patriots. The loss represented the first time the Dolphins have been swept by the Patriots since 2016.
Rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers made his third start as the team’s quarterback. He went 16-for-23 with 137 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception. Unfortunately for Ewers, he was unable to finish the game as he suffered a knee injury in the second half. Former first-round pick Zach Wilson replaced him. Wilson failed to complete a pass in two attempts.
Dolphins Player Facing Punishment
Every year, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures. According to the NFL, the purpose of this is “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” So far this year entering Week 18, 347 plays have resulted in fines.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, it seems a player committed an action that will warrant a fine by the NFL. With 3:14 left in the fourth quarter, defensive tackle Matthew Butler committed a 15-yard penalty as his pressure on backup quarterback Josh Downs was deemed to be roughing the passer. The official determined that Butler landed with his entire body weight on the quarterback, which warranted the flag.
That action typically carries a fine by the NFL. In Week 17, Los Angeles Rams defender Desjuan Johnson was fined $5,830 for a similar action. The NFL announces their fines on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. Following the announcement, Butler may choose to appeal. If he were to appeal his case would be “heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding.
Butler arrived in Miami prior to the season as he signed a one-year, $1,030,000 contract with the Dolphins. After appearing in 12 games for the Dolphins, he’s set to be a free agent after the season. He finished the year with 12 total tackles.
Dolphins vs Patriots
The Miami Dolphins continued their poor trend of subpar third quarter play. In the third quarter, they were outscored by 14 points. Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson said he was baffled by the team’s third quarter struggles this season, as Miami was outscored 130-27 in the third quarter this year.
Head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about the team’s third quarter struggles. He said, “I have a strong motivation to take the offseason to figure out what we can do from a controllable standpoint, from a schematic standpoint, from how we operate. We have to figure that out. That will be led by me for sure.”
Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson noted that McDaniel made several references to coming back next season. This aligns with the reporting prior to the game that McDaniel’s job was likely safe. After the loss, McDaniel still ranks fifth among Dolphins head coaches in winning percentage.
Dolphins Player Facing Punishment For Actions During Patriots Loss