The Miami Dolphins knocked Tom Brady off his game Sunday.
Brady completed just 12 of 21 passes for 134 yards as the New England Patriots suffered a 20-10 loss at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins pressured Brady all day despite sacking him just twice, and defensive end Olivier Vernon was front and center for Miami’s defensive success.
Vernon crushed Brady with a late hit in the third quarter, prompting a roughing the passer penalty. The former third-round pick, who was fined earlier this season for two questionable hits on Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, wouldn’t speculate as to whether he’ll hear from the NFL, but it’s obvious he took great joy in burying the Patriots signal-caller.
“It’s always fun to hit Brady,” Vernon told reporters after Miami’s upset win. “It’s always fun to hit a quarterback. It knocks them off their game.”
The Patriots’ offense, which looked like an unstoppable force earlier this season, has been struggling of late, partly due to injuries. Sunday’s performance offered another reminder the Pats are beatable, especially if they can’t protect Brady, who reportedly suffered a sprained ankle amid the punishment.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
