Patriots overcome AJ Brown absence to defeat Dolphins 24-19

The New England Patriots erased a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida. The victory gives New England a 5-3 record, while Miami falls to 1-6.

Star receiver AJ Brown sat out with lingering injuries, but Drake Maye guided the offense to a comeback. Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards and threw two touchdown passes. He also rushed for a score.

The Dolphins held a 13-3 lead at the half after Malik Washington caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Malik Willis. Washington had briefly left the game after a hard hit from Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, who was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Washington returned five plays later to score his first receiving touchdown of the season.

New England did not score in the first half but outscored Miami 21-0 in the second half. DeMario Douglas caught a 48-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to put the Patriots up by two scores. Maye also connected with Kyle Williams for a 43-yard touchdown after coach Mike Vrabel successfully challenged an initial incompletion call.

Willis led Miami on a late 11-play drive to cut the deficit. He threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. with two minutes remaining. Miami missed a two-point conversion, and Patriots safety Stevenson recovered the onside kick.

Stevenson finished with 19 carries for 82 yards. Douglas caught three passes for 76 yards. Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards, threw two touchdowns, and was sacked five times.

Hunter Henry and Gabe Jacas left the Patriots game with foot and knee injuries, respectively. Malik Herring left the Dolphins game with a stringer. The Patriots will host Green Bay next Sunday, while the Dolphins will host Detroit.

Zane Gonzalez kicked field goals of 31 and 52 yards for Miami. The 52-yard attempt hit the left upright and went through. He missed a 43-yard attempt in the fourth quarter.