Patriots Erase 10-Point Gap to Beat Miami

Drake Maye threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score as the New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday in Miami Gardens. The Patriots trailed by 10 points at halftime but outscored Miami 21-0 in the second half before holding a late rally.

The game featured a dramatic sequence in the third quarter that shifted momentum to New England. Maye lofted a 43-yard pass to Kyle Williams. Officials initially called the play incomplete because Williams' knee appeared to jar the ball loose. Coach Mike Vrabel challenged the call. Replays showed Williams crossed the goal line before losing possession, so the touchdown stood.

Maye added to the lead with 59 seconds left in the third quarter. He faked a handoff to Rhamondre Stevenson, then ran in for a 2-yard touchdown. That score marked his fifth consecutive game with at least three total touchdowns. The Patriots led 17-13 entering the final period.

DeMario Douglas extended the lead early in the fourth quarter. He caught a pass and navigated the Dolphins secondary for a 48-yard touchdown. The Patriots held the ball for the final two minutes after Stevenson recovered an onside kick from Bradley Pinion. Miami had failed a two-point conversion attempt before the kick.

The Dolphins managed a late surge. Malik Willis completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. with two minutes remaining. Willis finished with 211 yards passing on 21 of 32 attempts. He threw two touchdowns and one interception while being sacked five times.

Miami's offense stalled earlier in the game due to penalties and injuries. Ollie Gordon drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after a 5-yard carry. Coach Jeff Hafley removed Gordon from the game for one play. Malik Washington caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to put Miami ahead 13-3 at the half. Washington had briefly left the game after a hard hit from Christian Elliss, who was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

The Patriots play Green Bay at home next Sunday. The Dolphins host Detroit the same weekend. Both teams will look to rebound from their respective results this week.