Kyle Dugger's 2023 season was mostly quiet entering Week 8, but the Patriots safety delivered a very loud play to open New England's tilt in Miami on Sunday.
With the Dolphins facing a third-and-15 from their own 30-yard line in the first quarter, Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted by Dugger on a pass intended for all-world wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The gift-wrapped pick wasn't overly impressive, but the same can't be said for Dugger's return.
After working up to his feet, Dugger evaded Hill and made a beeline downfield. Braxton Berrios tried to bring down the 6-foot-2, 222-pound defensive back, but Dugger planted the former Patriots wide receiver with a violent stiff arm.
The interception was Dugger's first of the season, and it came at a rather fitting time. The Patriots' trip to South Beach marked their final game before the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline, and the fourth-year pro has been one of the most popular names mentioned for potential sell-off candidates in Foxboro, Mass.
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Dugger's pick also set the stage for the first score of the AFC East showdown. Three players after Tagovailoa's turnover, Mac Jones connected with Kendrick Bourne on a 24-year-old touchdown pass to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty/USA TODAY Sports Images
