FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- In the same stadium where the Dolphins stunned the Patriots by unveiling the Wildcat last season, Miami again took a shot at catching New England off guard with a package of plays more often seen in college than the NFL.

This time, the Dolphins launched their most expansive effort to date at running the spread-option offense (with rookie Pat White at quarterback). And like last year, quarterbacks coach David Lee provided much of the inspiration.

``The option stuff was solely on David Lee and [tight ends coach] George DeLeone,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``They had conviction about it and stood up for it and did a nice job that way.''

Although the Patriots eventually adjusted to the package in a way they were incapable of doing last year with the Wildcat, the Dolphins had some decent success with White. Moreso, at least, than any of his other action to this point in the season.

White entered the game on the Dolphins' fourth offensive possession. On his first attempt, he ran around left end for 33 yards, prompting the Dolphins to continue weaving the spread formation into their play-calling.

White gained 4 yards on the next play, then left while the Dolphins ran the Wildcat for a 12-yard gain by Ricky Williams. Then, with White back in the game, he pitched the ball on an option to Williams, who ran 15 yards for a touchdown.

``It was similar to what I experienced in college,'' said White, who succeeded in the spread at West Virginia. ``It was just great execution on the play. Great downfield blocking. Ricky saw a seam and hit it at 100 miles per hour.''

At halftime, however, Patriots coach Bill Belichick made the proper adjustments to keep it from being as effective. The Dolphins again used the spread during their touchdown drive to open the third quarter. White had a 1-yard gain, a 1-yard loss and a 6-yard gain.

``It wasn't a big, new thing,'' Belichick said. ``We just didn't play it very well, and they executed it well. Luckily, we got it straightened out, and it wasn't a big problem in the second half. They tried to change up and instead of running the option, they ran it back inside.

``But White didn't really hurt us too much with those inside runs.''

White's only pass attempt, in the second quarter, was incomplete.

GINN HELD IN CHECK

For the second consecutive week, wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. saw minimal time as a pass-catcher, again using his time on special teams as his most likely opportunities to make an impact.

Ginn had three passes thrown his way, but caught only one -- for 7 yards.

On special teams, he returned four kicks for 97 yards, with his opening kickoff going for an impressive 37 yards. While the Patriots did not choose to kick away from Ginn, they had success putting the ball deep in the end zone.

New England kicked six times, three of which reached the end zone -- two of them touchbacks.

DAVIS SHAKES OFF INJURY

Rookie cornerback Vontae Davis sustained a quadriceps injury in the first quarter and left the game briefly.

During his absence, cornerback Jason Allen lined up against Randy Moss and had his first pass breakup of the season -- a deep attempt to Moss in the end zone.

Davis, who got his second interception of the season in the first quarter, is not expected to miss any playing time as a result of the injury.

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@