Patriots - 23
Dolphins - 21
Q. Devin, a thought on getting to 8-8, but how much was of a spark was Kyle's pick-six?
DM: Yeah, man, we talked last night about scoring on defense is something we've done now four weeks in a row. It's something that's given us a great boost as a team.
As soon as Dug caught it. If you watch the film, you probably see everybody trying to get a block. You can see Dug going, I'm not going out-of-bounds, I'm finding a way into the end zone.
Any time a guy like Dug, one of our best players overall on the team, gets the ball in his hands, third touchdown of the year. We needed him today. Stepped up big. I would say over the latter part of the season he's played great football. Really proud just to be able to be in there with him, his production and studying, his process throughout the season, it's no wonder it's paying off. Like, the guy has been tremendous.
Q. Keeping the Playoffs alive, given your positioning, road on the Playoffs, considering where you are in your career, did you have any thoughts coming off the field that today could maybe be the last time you played a game at this stadium?
DM: I took a moment. Spent some time with my family on the field. It's been a great run. To come out here, if this was the last one, I think to be able to leave Gillette with a win, very similar to how my first-ever game was a win.
I've had a lot of fun. These guys have been awesome to go out here and compete with. You never know how football goes. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it before the game, and just now.
Give a high five to the Minutemen, something I've done over and over and over again after wins. Just kind of think about that, let that settle in, just trying to make sure I stay in the moment, enjoy.
But definitely gave it a few seconds today.
Q. Talk about the importance of seven defensive touchdowns this season from the defense. Pretty insane.
DM: Yeah, man, it's been a huge lift. I think we got a lot of guys, when we get the ball in our hands, we're trying to score.
Again, like I said, I think it's the group as a whole. You see everyone is trying to get a block, everyone is trying to lead the guy to the end zone. We talked about turning those turnovers into points. It's been big for us.
I think even special teams, like Marcus scoring, we blocked a punt, got the ball on the one or two yard line. Finding ways to win. I've talked about that earlier in the season.
We don't know what it's going to be, but finding a way to win the game, whether it's a defensive touchdown, special teams, whether it's the offense going on an eight-minute drive, they score. Whatever it is, it's that time of year, we got to figure it out and do those things.
Q. Among those thoughts that you had today about this being the home finale, how important was it, you mentioned your family, to see Jason down on the field? Your twin, careers together. To have him here in attendance today, what did that mean to you? How much do you value that opportunity?
DM: Yeah, man, that's my guy. Just so many ups and downs throughout my career, individually different things. Just being able to rely on him and count on him.
It was cool. This is the second time he's been able to come to the game as a fan. He's a working guy now. He worked the Buffalo game.
I think for both of us, our relationship, the bond of just pushing each other. I know he's on edge watching just like I used to be on edge watching him play. But it's been a great joy to grow up with somebody and have a dream, accomplish that dream, get to do it together for three years. But to just watch each other do something that a lot of people told us it would probably be impossible for one of us to do, let alone two of us to do it.
It's like running a race next to your best friend. At the end you tie each time. We've had a lot of time watching each other and supporting each other throughout our careers.
Q. You experienced some horrible lows, losses that put teams down, they don't get up. At times this team was teetering. The fact that you got up, have a game next weekend that means something for post-season, what does that say about this group?
DM: Character. I don't know what game I said it after or before, but I don't think we have the men in that locker room that have the character to quit. I think each guy in that locker room all has a story of how they got here. We got a guy like Jon Jones undrafted, Kyle Dugger, DII guy, Judon, DII guy, two of the best players on defense.
I think that character, just that determination to be on top as individuals I think motivates this team to stick together and play together. I think we don't want to go out there and not give it our all I think because of the guys next to us.
We're fully aware of this team, it won't be the same next year. We got one more opportunity that we're guaranteed. We're going to go out there and play together, give it our best shot for 60 minutes.
I think that's something we can live with. Anything else I think will crush us as individuals. I think that's why you see this team coming out here next week, practice our butts off, go out there in Buffalo and try to get in the Playoffs.
Q. Matthew just said you're going to the hornet's nest now. Used to be vice versa. What does it feel like to have the shoe on the other foot, again have an opportunity?
DM: Compete, man. It's fun going in there because you know everybody hates you in there. You know if you don't come with your best shot from the beginning of the game, like, that thing could get ugly. They're going to go.
I said a few weeks ago, if you want to be a team that's playing in the post-season, these are the kind of games you got to enjoy going to, go out and get a win.
We'll have a lot going. They're a tough football team. We'll watch 'em Monday night against Cincy, go out there and give it our best shot.
Q. The pass of Bridgewater, turning the wrong shoulder?
DM: I don't know. Excuse my language, that was just a shitty play (smiling). Just got to catch the ball. Luckily we won today. If not, that would have been all I thought about possibly as my last game here at Gillette.
Q. I was trying to make it easy for you.
DM: No, no, I appreciate it. Mike Girardi would have asked me that (laughter).
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports