WATCH: Patriots Special Teams Star Crazy Blocked Field Goal vs. Dolphins
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots may not have produced may highlight-worthy moments in their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
However, a second-year special teamer delivered a textbook play in the game's third phase, which is sure to be used as an example by football coaches across the gridiron universe.
Looking to add to their 17-3 lead, Dolphins' kicker Jason Sanders attempted a 49-yard field goal. However, Pats special teams gunner Brendan Schooler found his way around Miami's protection unit and blocked Sanders' kick. Safety Kyle Dugger races to recover the ball at the Miami 49-yard line.
The Pats have looked sluggish on offense and overworked on defense. Schooler's block seemed to invigorate the Gillette Stadium crowd. However, New England's offense was unable to capitalize on Miami's miscue. On first-and-10 from the Miami 22-yard line, Pats quarterback Mac Jones was intercepted by Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard while attempting to find receiver DeVante Parker on a deep route.
The Patriots and Dolphins are facing off for the first of two meetings this season. The second game of the annual series will be played at Miami on Oct. 29. The two teams split the series in 2022, with the Patriots losing on opening day at Miami, 20-7, on Sept. 11 and then getting revenge with a 23-21 win at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 1.
While New England dropped its season-opener to the Eagles, Miami (1-0) parlayed an explosive offensive performance into a 36-34 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
As was expected cornerback Jonathan Jones missed Sunday night's game with an ankle injury, while offensive linemen Trent Brown and Sidy Sow remain in concussion protocol. Starting guards Michael Onwenu and Cole Strange made their respective season debuts, after missing the Pats Week 1 loss to the Eagles.
