The Miami Dolphins led New England 13-3 at halftime on a rainy Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, then lost 24-19 to the Patriots. The defeat drops Miami to 1-6 after its first win of the season, a 28-25 victory over the New York Jets the previous week.
The Patriots scored 21 unanswered second-half points. Quarterback Drake Maye, who struggled early, found his rhythm after halftime and completed eight straight passes during one stretch. Receiver Pop Douglas caught a 48-yard touchdown pass that put New England ahead 24-13.
Miami’s offense stalled in the second half. Malik Willis threw an interception that New England converted into points, and Ollie Gordon II was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, which pushed the Dolphins into a third-and-20 and forced a punt. Zane Gonzalez also missed a 43-yard field goal wide left with 6:41 left in the fourth quarter.
Willis hit Kevin Coleman Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown late in the game, but an onside kick attempt failed and the Patriots held on.
Miami plays the Detroit Lions (5-2) at Hard Rock Stadium next Sunday at 1 p.m. New England hosts the Green Bay Packers at 4:25 p.m. the same day.
