Dolphins Struggle in AFC East Showdown

The Dolphins struggle in AFC East showdown after their first win of the season last week. Miami drops its first matchup vs. the New England Patriots 24-19 despite a ten-point halftime lead. The Dolphins now tack on their sixth loss of the year as they get ready to prepare for the Lions in week nine.

Dolphins Take Early Lead

Miami Dolphins rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez forces his first fumble of the season 🐬🏈 #Phinsup #NFL #Sportswithseb pic.twitter.com/cJQorOCSJB

— SportswithSeb🏀🏈 (@Sportswithseb) November 2, 2026

Miami opened up the game punting on their first two possessions while holding the Patriots to only a field goal. The tide would turn to Miami after rookie sensation Jacob Rodriguez forced his first fumble of his NFL career. Taking over in the red zone, Miami would only need a few yards to punch it in for six. Despite their best efforts, they would settle for a field goal and tie it up at three apiece.

For New England, that turnover was their 15th of the year, as they now sit 4th in the NFL for the most turnovers on the season. Riding the momentum, Miami would eventually get the ball back after a Patriots three-and-out and tagged on another field goal to go up 6-3. Drake Maye would take the Patriots to the Dolphins’ 22-yard line to set up a game-tying field goal, but it was wide right and no good.

It was then time for the two-minute drill as the Dolphins took over with 2:19 left in the first half. Malik Willis went 6/8 for 57 yards and a touchdown in the final two minutes to put the Phins ahead 13-3 at halftime.

Patriots Turn It Around

Both teams would punt the ball on their first possession of the second half, but once the Patriots started to get rolling, there was no stopping them. New England would get on the board first with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. While Miami tried to keep their 13-10 lead afloat, a critical unsportsmanlike penalty was called on Ollie Gordon and forced a Dolphins punt.

The momentum shifted back to the Patriots once they got the ball back down three points. The 13-play drive ended with Drake Maye finding himself untouched in the end zone for six. The biggest factor in the Patriots’ second-half turnaround was third-down conversions.

In the first half, New England was 2/6 on third down, whereas in the second half they were 4/8. Subsequently, they were 4/6 on third- and fourth-down conversions and scored 14 unanswered points.

On the following drive, Miami, desperate to find some offense, threw their first interception of the game, and New England took over on their own 47-yard line. At this point, the Dolphins had zero yards of offense on their first three second- half drives.

New England Seals the Win

Taking over after the interception, the Pats continued to steamroll past the Dolphins and added another touchdown to their lead. Drake Maye threw his second 40-yard touchdown of the game, scoring 21 unanswered points. Down 24-13, Miami found themselves in position to cut the lead to one score, but Zane Gonzalez missed the field goal.

New England was forced to punt on the following drive, and Miami had one last hope to get back in this game. With four minutes left, Malik Willis found rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown. Miami trailed 24-19 after the failed two-point conversion with just two minutes left in the game. New England would go on to convert a first down and seal their win on the road.

What Flipped the Script?

Miami Dolphins rushing yards per game this season 🏈

Raiders- 74 yards
49ers- 102 yards
Chiefs- 119 yards
Vikings- 121 yards
Bengals- 217 yards
Jets- 156 yards
Patriots- 74 yards #Phinsup #Sportswithseb

— SportswithSeb🏀🏈 (@Sportswithseb) November 2, 2026

Miami ranked in the top seven in the NFL heading into the matchup but rushed for a season-low 74 yards. Not being able to keep New England honest against the run forced Malik Willis to win this game through the air. In the second half, it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Miami picked up a first down, their first of the second half. Despite their best efforts, Miami could not overcome the 21 unanswered points from New England.

For the Patriots, it was the opposite; they converted on third down, especially late in the game. Taking advantage of a young secondary and throwing for 120 yards in the second half, adding two 40-yard touchdown scores. Keeping the clock rolling, Rhamondre Stevenson also rushed for a season-high 82 yards in the Pats win.

Next Up

The Dolphins fall to 1-6 on the year and have yet to win at home this season. They will get ready to face off against the Detroit Lions at Hard Rock Stadium on Nov. 8th. The Lions offense leads the NFL in yards per game, while the Miami defense has allowed the 16th most yards to opponents. Going up against MVP candidate Jahmyr Gibbs will be another big test for this young Phins group.

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Sebastian Clavijo

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