Patriots QB Maye rushes for a score to seal 24-19 win over Dolphins
New England overcame a 10-point halftime deficit and key injuries to defeat Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.
By Aiko Lombardi ·
Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to a 24-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. The quarterback recorded three total touchdowns, including two passes and a 2-yard run, in a game where New England recovered from a second-half surge by Miami.
Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards. The Patriots entered the game without several key offensive weapons. Wide receiver A.J. Brown, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and running back TreVeyon Henderson all sat out due to injuries or illness. Rhamondre Stevenson handled the bulk of the rushing load, carrying the ball 19 times for 82 yards.
The Dolphins took a 13-3 lead at the end of the first half. Malik Willis completed an 11-play, 70-yard drive for Miami, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown by Malik Washington. Washington had been briefly removed from the game earlier in the drive after a hard hit by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss. Miami kicker Zane Gonzalez added a 31-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 52-yard attempt that bounced off the upright and through the posts.
New England outscored Miami 21-0 in the second half. DeMario Douglas caught a 48-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to give the Patriots a 17-13 lead. Later in the third quarter, Maye faked a handoff to Stevenson and ran for a 2-yard score. That touchdown marked his fifth consecutive game with at least three total touchdowns.
The Patriots also benefited from a successful challenge. A 43-yard pass from Maye to Kyle Williams was initially ruled incomplete. Coach Mike Vrabel threw the red flag, and officials overturned the call to a touchdown after review. Vrabel noted that he was more certain than the officials were on the initial call.
Miami mounted a late rally in the fourth quarter. Willis connected with rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. on a 35-yard touchdown pass with two minutes remaining. The Dolphins failed on a two-point conversion attempt. Stevenson recovered the onside kick for New England, allowing the Patriots to run out the clock. Willis finished the game with 211 passing yards on 21 of 32 completions, two touchdowns, and one interception.
The win improves New England's record to 5-3. Miami falls to 1-6. The Dolphins will host Detroit next Sunday, while the Patriots will host Green Bay.
Source: Greenwich Time
