Patriots Overcome 10-Point Deficit to Defeat Dolphins 24-19

The New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday in Miami Gardens, erasing a 10-point halftime deficit. Drake Maye threw two touchdown passes and rushed for a score to lead the comeback. The Patriots finished the game with a 17-13 lead entering the fourth quarter before holding off a late push by the visitors.

Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards. He played without star receiver A.J. Brown, who suffered a knee and ankle injury, and Mack Hollins, who had a calf injury. Running back TreVeyon Henderson also sat out due to an illness. Despite the absence of key offensive weapons, Maye found ways to move the ball effectively.

The Dolphins held a 13-3 lead at the half. Malik Willis led an 11-play, 70-yard drive that concluded with a one-yard touchdown pass to Malik Washington. Washington had briefly left the game after a hard hit by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss but returned to catch the score. Zane Gonzalez added field goals of 31 and 52 yards for Miami.

New England outscored Miami 21-0 in the second half. DeMario Douglas caught a 48-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to put the Patriots ahead by two scores. Before that, Maye connected with Kyle Williams on a 43-yard touchdown pass. That play was initially ruled an incompletion but overturned after coach Mike Vrabel challenged the call. Replays showed Williams crossed the goal line before losing possession.

Maye scored the go-ahead touchdown with 59 seconds left in the third quarter. He faked a handoff to Rhamondre Stevenson and ran the ball two yards for the score. This marked his fifth consecutive game with at least three total touchdowns. Stevenson had 19 carries for 82 yards, while Douglas caught three passes for 76 yards.

Miami mounted a final drive with two minutes remaining. Willis threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. to cut the deficit to 24-19. The Dolphins failed on a two-point conversion attempt. Patriots Rhamondre Stevenson recovered Bradley Pinion's onside kick, allowing New England to run out the clock.

Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards and threw one interception. He was sacked five times. Ollie Gordon drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after speaking to a defender following a five-yard carry. Coach Jeff Hafley removed Gordon from the game for one play. Gordon appeared visibly upset as Willis spoke to him on the sideline.

The Patriots will host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday. The Dolphins will host the Detroit Lions next Sunday.