The Miami Dolphins lost to the New England Patriots, 24-19, at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Miami led 13-3 at halftime, but New England scored on three consecutive possessions after the break and took a 17-13 lead. The Patriots extended that advantage to 24-13 on DeMario Douglas’ 48-yard touchdown reception before Miami mounted a late response.
Miami controls first half
Miami’s defense set the early tone by holding New England to a field goal on its opening possession. Zach Sieler made two stops on the drive, and the Dolphins created a turnover on the Patriots’ next series when Jacob Rodriguez stripped Efton Chism III and JuJu Brents recovered the fumble. Miami turned the takeaway into points when Zane Gonzalez made a 31-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.
Josh Uche later closed the first quarter by sacking Drake Maye for a 10-yard loss on third down. Gonzalez made field goals from 51 and 31 yards, while Miami’s defense kept New England out of the end zone during a 12-play drive that ended with Andres Borregales missing a 40-yard attempt. The defensive stand preserved Miami’s 6-3 lead.
Miami extended its advantage late in the second quarter through an efficient passing sequence from Malik Willis. Willis connected with Greg Dulcich for 19 yards, Jalen Tolbert for 23 yards and Caleb Douglas for 18 yards before finding Malik Washington for a 1-yard touchdown. Gonzalez’s extra point gave the Dolphins a 13-3 lead, and Chop Robinson ended New England’s final possession of the half with a 2-yard sack of Maye.
New England flips the game after halftime
Robinson opened the second half with another sack, dropping Maye for a 5-yard loss and helping Miami force a quick three-and-out. New England responded on its next three possessions, beginning with Maye’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. Borregales’ extra point cut Miami’s lead to 13-10.
The Patriots then completed their longest drive of the game with Maye’s 2-yard touchdown run, taking a 17-13 lead. Miami’s next possession ended with an interception on a pass intended for Caleb Douglas. DeMario Douglas followed with a 48-yard touchdown reception that pushed New England’s lead to 24-13.
Willis and the Dolphins answered late in the fourth quarter. With just over two minutes remaining, Willis connected with Kevin Coleman Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown, bringing Miami within one score at 24-19. The Dolphins could not complete the comeback.
Willis, Coleman provide late spark
Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Coleman led Miami’s receiving group with three receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown, including the late score that kept the Dolphins within reach. Ollie Gordon II led the rushing attack with 69 yards on 19 carries.
Jordyn Brooks recorded a team-high 11 tackles, including six solo stops. Robinson finished with two sacks, the third multi-sack game of his career. The Dolphins’ defense totaled 69 tackles and three quarterback hits.
What comes next
Miami’s homestand continues against the Detroit Lions at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. The Dolphins will enter that matchup after building a 13-3 halftime lead against New England. Their next home game follows a loss in which the Patriots scored on three consecutive possessions after halftime.
FSB Take
Miami’s first-half defense produced a turnover, multiple sacks and a 13-3 lead. New England’s three-possession scoring stretch after halftime changed the game before Miami’s late touchdown made the margin one score. The Detroit matchup gives the Dolphins their next home opportunity to sustain that early defensive control through the second half.
Source: Original report