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Old Timers League (OTL): Miami Dolphins defense grounds Patriots' running game

Posted on February 21, 2011 at 07:42 PM.

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Monday 2.21.11

DAN LE BATARD | IN MY OPINION

Miami Dolphins defense grounds Patriots' running game

NEW ENGLAND -- The Miami Dolphins rushed for over 100 yards for the 2nd time this season during Sunday's win against the Patriots, which likely means the defense won't get quite the recognition it deserves for one of its best all-around performances of the season.

But consider this: The Patriots were averaging over 152 rushing yards heading into the game. Twice they rushed for over 250 yards (Saints & Bengals). They gained only 6 yards against the Dolphins -- almost all from one play.

``That's crazy,'' linebacker Karlos Dansby said. ``They had a 5-yard reverse -- and only 6 total yards. That's great defense.''

It was also a solid game plan by defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. By predicting that the Patriots would try to set the edge, the team was prepared to eliminate any of the Patriots attempts at doing so. Linebacker Koa Misi came up with a tackle for a loss, linebacker Cameron Wake provided his own usual pressure and the defensive line won the battle up front.

``That was their plan,'' Dansby said. ``When that didn't work, they didn't know what the [heck] to do.''

Miami's defense also contributed three key turnovers.

``If you get three takeaways in a game, you should come out on top,'' Misi said. ``Our goal was two or more. We did that today. We made some plays out there.''

MISSED FIELD GOAL

The New England Patriots had an opportunity to win the game before regulation and this was the outcome:

BRANDON "BIG TIME" JONES

The best performer in this game was none other than "Big Time", he set the tone when 1st year quarterback Roc Hargrove struggled in his 2nd start of the season. His dramatics came in overtime when twice the Patriots defense forced Miami to 3rd and long. Twice the Miami Dolphins head Coach Don Shula called for "Big Time". Watch the game winning rush in overtime:

To think that 24 other teams passed up on this monster from Pittsburgh. How long do you think it'll take for #59 Gary Guton (MLB) and #25 Will Allen (CB) to recover from those brutal blows that resulted in 2 missed tackles at the goaline?

Article by:
Dan Le Batard

Dan Le Batard joined The Herald back in 2010 and is a graduate from the University of Miami. Recognized as one of the top sports columnists today, Dan has covered several of sports' top events and is also a regular correspondent for OTESPN (Old Timers Entertainment and Sports Network).