Patriots Defeat Dolphins: Maye Leads Third-Quarter Surge

The New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Drake Maye threw two touchdown passes and rushed for a score to lead the rally. The Patriots, now 5-3, erased a 10-point deficit at halftime to take a 17-13 lead into the fourth quarter. Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards. Star receiver AJ Brown was inactive due to lingering injuries.

The Patriots outscored Miami 21-0 during the second half before a late rally by the Dolphins. DeMario Douglas caught a 48-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to extend the New England lead. Rhamondre Stevenson carried the ball 19 times for 82 yards. Douglas also caught three passes for 76 yards.

Maye secured the go-ahead score with a 2-yard run in the third quarter. He faked a pitch to Stevenson before rushing into the end zone with 59 seconds remaining in the period. This marked the fifth consecutive game in which Maye recorded at least three total touchdowns.

The Dolphins, who improved to 1-6, mounted a final drive with two minutes left. Quarterback Malik Willis completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. Willis had completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards earlier in the game. He was sacked five times and threw one interception.

Miami failed on a two-point conversion attempt after the touchdown. Stevenson recovered the onside kick, allowing the Patriots to manage the remaining clock. The Dolphins had previously taken a 13-3 lead at halftime. Malik Washington scored on a 1-yard touchdown after an 11-play, 70-yard drive.

Washington had briefly left the game after taking a hard hit from Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss. Elliss was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Washington returned five plays later to catch his first receiving touchdown of the season.

A 43-yard pass from Maye to Kyle Williams was initially ruled an incompletion. The ball appeared to jar loose when Williams’ knee hit the turf. Coach Mike Vrabel challenged the call, and replays confirmed Williams crossed the goal line before losing possession. The touchdown helped narrow the gap for New England.

Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after speaking to a defender. Coach Jeff Hafley removed Gordon from the game for one play. The second-year running back appeared upset on the sideline. Zane Gonzalez, in his second game after re-signing with Miami, made field goals of 31 and 52 yards. He missed a 43-yard attempt in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots will host Green Bay next Sunday. The Dolphins will host Detroit next Sunday. Patriots tight end Hunter Henry left in the second quarter with a foot injury. Linebacker Gabe Jacas left in the third quarter with a knee injury. Dolphins edge rusher Malik Herring left in the second quarter with a leg injury.