Maye leads Patriots comeback over struggling Dolphins
New England overcame a 10-point halftime deficit behind a versatile performance from its quarterback and a key fourth-quarter touchdown.
By Natalie Cooper ·
Drake Maye played through the absence of three key offensive weapons to guide the New England Patriots to a 24-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Patriots (5-3) trailed by 10 points at the half but outscored Miami 21-0 in the second half until a late touchdown gave the Dolphins a brief lead. Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards and rushed for a touchdown in the win.
The Patriots played without star receiver A.J. Brown, who suffered a knee and ankle injury, along with receiver Mack Hollins and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Coach Mike Vrabel praised Maye for finding ways to win despite the personnel gaps. Vrabel stated that great quarterbacks in the National Football League do not make excuses and simply find ways to help their team win.
DeMario Douglas provided the momentum shift with a 48-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter. The play put the Patriots up by two scores and extended their lead after they had overcome the halftime deficit. Douglas finished the game with three receptions for 76 yards, while Rhamondre Stevenson carried the ball 19 times for 82 yards.
A controversial ruling helped the Patriots secure their lead late in the third quarter. Kyle Williams caught a 43-yard pass from Maye that was initially ruled incomplete. Vrabel threw the challenge flag, and officials reversed the decision after reviewing footage. The replays showed Williams crossed the goal line before the ball came loose.
The Dolphins rallied late in the game, capping an 11-play drive with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Malik Willis to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. The score put Miami within five points with two minutes remaining. However, the Dolphins failed to convert a two-point conversion, and Patriots safety Rhamondre Stevenson recovered the onside kick. The Patriots then ran out the clock to preserve the lead.
Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards and one interception for the Dolphins (1-6). He was sacked five times during the loss. Miami's Ollie Gordon was ejected after drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for speaking to a defender. Willis later explained that he told Gordon he was wrong in that situation because Gordon cares deeply about the game.
The Patriots will host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday. The Dolphins will host the Detroit Lions at home next week.
Source: Houston Chronicle
