The New England Patriots got off to a shaky start to the 2022-23 season, falling 20-7 to the Miami Dolphins.
This was at least somewhat expected, but there was always the possibility of being surprised.
It was more of an average performance all-around rather than any one unit or individual being specifically to fault for the defeat.
In terms of execution and damage control, the Dolphins were able to outperform their opponents. At this point in the season, it is obvious that Miami is the superior team.
This is especially weird because of the final fact. It has been uncommon for the Patriots to suffer a defeat that seemed like the right call.
The Patriots have now suffered two straight defeats that seemed like the victory belonged to the other team.
Take the beginning of the 2021–22 campaign. In that contest, the Dolphins defeated the Patriots, but Damien Harris' fumble in the end zone was the game's deciding factor.
The coaching decisions were strange, as were the drastic changes to an offence that had seen new players shine the previous season.
The team appeared to be dealing with unresolved issues heading into the opener, and this effort confirmed those suspicions.