Miami Dolphins look for a big win in week 4’s Madden simulation
By Nick Belotto
Our Madden virtual season continues with the Miami Dolphins big matchup against the New England Patriots. This is a big game for the Dolphins, as a win could send a statement to the AFC East and the rest of the NFL.
Before we get to the game on Sunday, let’s look at how the Dolphins fare against the Patriots on Madden 2019.
Let’s get started
1st Quarter
The first quarter starts with Miami receiving the ball. Miami’s offense fails to get anything going on their first drive and is forced to punt. New England is forced to punt as well after Cameron Wake gets to Tom Brady. Miami then takes the ball after the punt and Ryan Tannehill hits Kenyan Drake for 40 yards through the air. On the next play, Tannehill hits Devante Parker for a touchdown putting the dolphins up
Miami forces New England into a 3 and out and gets the ball back at their own 30. Miami gives the ball right back after an interception fives New England great field position. Miami’s defense responds, however, and holds New England to a field goal, wrapping up the quarter.
Miami moved the ball well in the first quarter and besides the interception looked to be productive in the passing game even though they struggled when running the ball. Miami’s defense was able to keep Tom Brady out of rhythm during the first quarter, and hopefully will be able to do so throughout the rest of the game (and in real life!).
We still have a lot of game left to simulate!
At the end of the 1st Quarter: New England 3, Miami 7
2nd Quarter
Miami has the ball on the 30 to start the second. Miami sticks with the running game, leaning on drake and gore to pick up a first down. Unfortunately, Tannehill takes a big sack and the offense is forced to punt.
Miami’s defense came to play in this simulation as they force New England into another three and out. The negative is that Miami’s offense seems to have fallen out of rhythm and they themselves are forced to punt. Both punters seem like they’re in for long days.
On New England’s next possession, Miami takes the ball away with an interception by Reshad Jones. Miami’s offense responds with a very NOT solid 3 and out and gives New England the ball back
On the next drive, New England seems to figure things out as Brady is able to pick up big chunk yards through the air, ending with a Rob Gronkowski touchdown catch.
Miami has the ball within 2 minutes and is able to move down field but is unable to put any points on the board as the clock runs out.
The offense looked great in the first quarter, but came out flat in the second. The defense has played well up to this point and has kept New England from doing too much damage. The second half will be really interesting as we see who can make the play when it counts
At the end of the 2nd: New England 10, Miami 7
3rd Quarter
And now the real game begins!
New England receives the second half kickoff looking to build off their touchdown drive int he second quarter. Robert Quinn has different plans and sacks Brady on third down to force the Patriots to punt!
Miami picks up 1 first down and then ultimately stalls and is forced to punt. on the very next play, Reshad Jones comes up with his second interception of the day and Miami is able to put three points on the board after a long Jason Sanders field goal.
On the next drive, New England marches down the field, taking some significant time off the board and ends their drive with another Rob Gronkowski touchdown catch. Miami gets the ball back with about a minute left and Ryan Tannehill is able to hit Kenyan Drake for 22 yards to wrap up the fourth.
This looks like it still could be anybody’s game. Neither team is running away with this one and it is going to come down to the final minutes to determine a winner.
On to the 4th!
At the end of the 3rd: New England 17, Miami 10
4th Quarter
Miami continues to pass the ball well moving down the field. The Dolphins go for it on 4th and 1, picking up the first and extending the drive. Miami, unfortunately, turns the ball over with a
Miami’s defense responds forcing New England to punt. Miami puts together a well-balanced drive mixing up runs and passes to get the Dolphins into the red-zone. Danny Amendola gets hurt on the drive after a long catch of 22 yards but the offense shakes off the injury and Tannehill finds Devante Parker for a game tying touchdown.
Miami’s defense comes out on fire and forces the Pats to punt. The Dolphins now have the chance to win the game.
Miami orchestrates it’s best drive of the game and is able to pick up first down after first down to run out the clock and set up for a game winning field goal. Jason Sanders kicks a 24 yard field goal and Miami comes out of New England with a huge win!
At the end of the 4th: New England 17, Miami 20
Virtual simulations need to always be taken with a grain of salt. That being said, the virtual Dolphins were able to go into New England and come out with a big division win.
I think that the game on Sunday is going to have the same back and forth feel for most of the game. In the end, however, Miami will be able to outlast the Patriots and put up enough points to seal a victory and move to 4-0.
My Prediction: New England 27, Miami 31