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Patriots in big trouble against Dolphins

Miami Dolphins v New England Patriots

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots has his face mask grabbed by Yeremiah Bell #37 of the Miami Dolphins while sacking him during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

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Don’t give the No. 1 seed in the AFC to the Patriots just yet.

Miami leads 17-0 midway through the second quarter on Sunday. Matt Moore has thrown a few nice deep balls, and the Patriots defense made a pair of huge pass interference penalties to extend one Dolphins drive.

On offense, New England has only one offensive line starter in his usual spot. Both starting tackles are out, and guard Logan Mankins got hurt during the first half. Tom Brady is 3-for-13 for 37 yards. The Patriots have punted five times.

The Texans loss on Thursday night looms large now. The Patriots could afford to lose one game and still get a playoff bye.

But they need a big rally to keep control of that No. 1 seed in the AFC.