NFL-- The season opener loss for the New England Patriots just feels different

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.

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It was more of an average performance all-around rather than any one unit or individual being specifically to fault for the defeat.

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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.

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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.

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The Patriots have now suffered two straight defeats that seemed like the victory belonged to the other team.

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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.

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The coaching decisions were strange, as were the drastic changes to an offence that had seen new players shine the previous season.

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The team appeared to be dealing with unresolved issues heading into the opener, and this effort confirmed those suspicions.

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