Patriots fall to Dolphins in Week 17 shocker, 27-24

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

The Patriots will have to play on Wild Card weekend for the first time since 2009 after a disastrous 27-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. After falling to 12-4 and the Chiefs winning to move to 12-4 themselves, the Pats fell to the No. 3 seed in the AFC.

Defensively, the Patriots had one of its worst efforts of the season. Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker caught eight passes for 137 yards, including a clutch 24-yard catch in the final two minutes to spark an eventual game-winning touchdown by tight end Mike Gesicki.

For a moment, it looked like Tom Brady had led the Pats on one of his vintage magical game-winning drives. He hit Mohamed Sanu for a big 22-yard catch on third down then James White on a screen pass to put the Pats up 24-20 late. But unfortunately, the defense could not hold on the ensuing possession.

The Patriots suffered through mistakes on both sides of the ball for much of the afternoon, including six penalties for 54 yards.

Up Next: The Patriots await the winner of the AFC's No. 6 seed, which has yet to be decided as of the conclusion of their game. It's the first time since 2009 that they will not get a first-round bye, and it comes with both Brady and Julian Edelman nursing injuries.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.