Patriots erase 10-point deficit to snap Dolphins' winning streak

Drake Maye finished with three touchdowns, two of them in the passing category, as the New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday in Miami Gardens. The visitors overcame a 10-point deficit at the half to secure a victory that improved their record to 5-3.

The Patriots scored 21 points in the second half while holding the Dolphins scoreless until the final two minutes. DeMario Douglas caught a 48-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to extend the New England lead. That score followed a 43-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams that put the Patriots ahead 17-13 entering the final period.

Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards in the win. He also rushed for a 2-yard touchdown with 59 seconds left in the third quarter, marking his fifth consecutive game with at least three total touchdowns. The Patriots played without star receiver AJ Brown, who was inactive due to lingering injuries.

Miami’s comeback attempt came late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Malik Willis connected with rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. on a 35-yard touchdown pass with two minutes remaining. The Dolphins failed on a subsequent two-point conversion, and New England recovered the onside kick to preserve the lead.

Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards for Miami, which falls to 1-6 on the season. He threw for two touchdowns and one interception while being sacked five times. The Dolphins had won their previous game, making this a return to their previous winning ways.

The game featured several key stops and penalties. Ollie Gordon was ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct after speaking to a defender following a 5-yard carry. Coach Jeff Hafley removed the second-year running back, who appeared upset on the sideline. Earlier, the Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss was flagged for unnecessary roughness after hitting Malik Washington, who later caught his first receiving touchdown of the season.

Zane Gonzalez, in his second game since re-signing with Miami, made field goals of 31 and 52 yards. He missed a 43-yard attempt in the fourth quarter. The 52-yard kick went off the left upright and through the posts.

Injury reports listed Patriots tight end Hunter Henry and linebacker Gabe Jacas as leaving the game and not returning. Dolphins edge rusher Malik Herring left the game in the second quarter with a leg injury but returned in the third quarter. The Patriots host Green Bay next Sunday, while the Dolphins host Detroit.

The Patriots’ defense limited Miami’s offensive rhythm in the second half. Rhamondre Stevenson had 19 carries for 82 yards, and Douglas added three receptions for 76 yards. The game concluded with New England controlling the final minutes after the onside kick recovery by Stevenson.