The New England Patriots’ comeback against the Miami Dolphins fell just short on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. How short? Try a few inches following a lateral toss to a lineman.
Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders missed a potentially game-sealing field goal that would have buried the Patriots in a 10-point hole. The miss opened the door for Mac Jones to try and lead a game-tying drive with just over two minutes left.
With the Patriots down 24-17 and facing 4th-and-4 at the Dolphins’ 33-yard line, Jones completed a short pass to Mike Gesicki. The Patriots tight end was immediately wrapped up by Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb. In a last-ditch effort to prevent a turnover on downs, Gesicki lateraled the football to guard Cole Strange.
Strange appeared to have gained a first down during the rapid turn of events. The Patriots were initially rewarded the first down as well. However, the officials reviewed the play and ruled him just short of the sticks.
COLE STRANGE IS AN ATHLETE pic.twitter.com/QD8CkLXKBB
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 18, 2023
Jones tried his best to go “Brady mode” on that final drive, but could not deliver in Foxborough. The loss was a disappointing result for Patriots fans as their team fell to 0-2 on the season.
But aside from the Dolphins, the real winners were the neutral fans who just wanted a wild finish to the “Sunday Night Football” showdown.
