Patriots Overcome Late Rally

The New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday.

The visitors overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to claim the victory at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Drake Maye finished the game with 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards. He also added a rushing touchdown. His team improved to 5-3 while Miami fell to 1-6.

Maye threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score to lead the comeback. He connected with DeMario Douglas on a 48-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. That strike put the Patriots ahead by two scores.

Later in the third quarter, Maye faked a pitch to Rhamondre Stevenson and ran in a 2-yard touchdown. That play gave New England a 17-13 lead entering the final period. It marked the fifth consecutive game where Maye recorded at least three total touchdowns.

The Patriots capitalizing on Miami errors was a key factor in the second half. New England outscored the Dolphins 21-0 in the second half before a late rally. Malik Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards for Miami. He threw two touchdowns and was intercepted once.

Willis threw a 35-yard touchdown to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. with two minutes remaining. That score cut the lead to 24-19. Miami attempted a two-point conversion but failed. Stevenson recovered the onside kick to keep the ball away from the Dolphins.

A disputed call shifted momentum in the third quarter. Maye threw a 43-yard pass to Kyle Williams that was initially ruled incomplete. Coach Mike Vrabel challenged the call. Officials reviewed the play and awarded the touchdown after Williams crossed the goal line before dropping the ball.

Ollie Gordon drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after a 5-yard carry. He said something to a defender that drew the flag. Coach Jeff Hafley removed Gordon for one play. Gordon appeared upset on the sideline.

Zane Gonzalez kicked field goals of 31 and 52 yards for Miami. 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.

TE Hunter Henry left the game in the second quarter with a foot injury. LB 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.