Instant Analysis: Miami Dolphins 24, New England Patriots 17

Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Miami Dolphins’ win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Sunday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts:

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist

It started out like a walk in the park and turned into a walk through a minefield. But a second win on the road, going coast to coast, says the Dolphins have started their year in a big way. And that other AFC East team? All you need to know is New England hadn’t started 0-2 since 2001.

Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist

The Dolphins had to hang on in the end but they won an AFC East road game and ran their record to 2-0, staying in control in the division. Nice job running the ball, and nice job making plays in the fourth quarter.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer

Exciting finish. It’s always tough on the road in the division. Tua Tagovailoa took what the defense gave him. The run game was huge. And the defense showed up for most of the night — not just the final stand.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor

It got a little bit ragged at the end before Raheem Mostert’s second touchdown, but who cares when you come back home 2-0 with a couple of road wins. The buzz is palpable.

Steve Svekis, Sports Senior Content Editor

Doesn’t matter what sort of talent the Patriots have, any win against Bill Belichick in Massachusetts is a great win. Now, Miami is 2-0 with only five more road games in the next 15 contests of this season (with nine at home and one against the Chiefs on a neutral field in Germany). If Tua plays at least 16 games, a playoff bye week is seriously in play.