Maye Leads Patriots to 24-19 Victory Over Dolphins

Drake Maye threw two touchdown passes and rushed for a score as the New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday. The Patriots, now 5-3, overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to take control of the game in the second half.

Maye played without star receiver A.J. Brown, who is dealing with knee and ankle issues, along with Mack Hollins and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Despite the absence, the quarterback completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards. Coach Mike Vrabel noted that Maye found ways to win without excuses, stating that the player wants to continue being that type of athlete for the team.

The Dolphins, who improved to 1-6, led 13-3 at halftime. Malik Washington capped an 11-play, 70-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown. Washington had briefly left the field after a hard hit by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss but returned to catch the score. Miami's offense struggled in the second half, outscoring New England 0-21 before a late rally.

DeMario Douglas put the Patriots ahead for good with a 48-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter. The receiver caught the ball and evaded the Dolphins' secondary to extend the lead. Later in the game, Maye scored on a two-yard run after faking a handoff to Rhamondre Stevenson, securing a 17-13 lead with 59 seconds left in the third quarter.

The Patriots held onto the lead during a late Miami comeback attempt. Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. with two minutes remaining. Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards and was sacked five times. After a failed two-point conversion, Rhamondre Stevenson recovered an onside kick to allow New England to run out the clock.

A controversial call in the third quarter helped build the Patriots' momentum. Kyle Williams caught a 43-yard pass that was initially ruled an incompletion. Vrabel challenged the call, and officials overturned it to a touchdown after replays showed Williams crossed the goal line before the ball came loose. Vrabel expressed more certainty in the call than the original officials.

Ollie Gordon drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after speaking to a defender following a five-yard carry. Coach Jeff Hafley removed the second-year running back from the game for one play. Gordon appeared upset as Willis spoke to him on the sideline, with the quarterback explaining that he was being honest about the situation.