The New England Patriots got a jolt of electricity from Antonio Gibson and their rookie quarterback as they snapped a four-game losing streak to the Miami Dolphins, pulling out a 33-27 win on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter. Just seconds after Miami rookie Malik Washington returned a punt 74 yards for a go-ahead touchdown, Gibson burst through the Dolphins’ coverage unit on the ensuing kickoff, sprinting 90 yards for a score that put New England back in front. As Gibson weaved his way down the sideline, new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel — a former team star — was nearly stride-for-stride with him, pumping his fist in excitement.
“I didn’t even know Coach was running with me,” Gibson laughed afterward. “He must’ve thought he was back in pads.”
The play helped deliver Vrabel his first win as Patriots head coach, one that came in dramatic fashion against a bitter AFC East rival.
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye played with poise throughout, completing 19 of 23 passes for 230 yards with two touchdowns and a rushing score. He connected on an 8-yard strike to former Dolphin Mack Hollins and later found Kayshon Boutte for a 16-yard touchdown. Maye also led a key late drive that set up kicker Andy Borregales’ 53-yard field goal to extend New England’s lead, a confidence boost for the rookie kicker after he missed two earlier extra points.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson provided balance, finishing with 142 total yards (88 receiving, 54 rushing).
Miami, now 0-2 for the first time under coach Mike McDaniel, was undone by mistakes at key moments. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa posted strong numbers — 26-of-32 passing for 315 yards and two touchdowns — but his fourth-quarter interception to Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu proved costly. Miami’s final possession was marred by penalties, and Tagovailoa was sacked on fourth-and-12 to seal the loss.
“We’ve got to execute better in crunch time,” McDaniel said. “Two weeks in, we’ve dug ourselves a hole.”
Tyreek Hill gave Dolphins fans a glimpse of his explosive ability with six catches for 109 yards, including a 47-yard grab — his first reception over 30 yards since last season’s opener. Jaylen Waddle (18-yard TD) and De’Von Achane (29-yard TD) also found the end zone.
But the Dolphins’ defense struggled badly early, allowing the Patriots to score on their first three drives. Combined with their Week 1 collapse in Indianapolis, Miami has now given up points on 10 straight opponent possessions to start the season. The streak finally ended with a kneel-down at halftime, followed by their first forced punt of the year on New England’s opening second-half drive.
Still, by the time the Dolphins settled in, the Patriots’ young quarterback and a timely special teams play had already shifted momentum.
“This team showed fight,” Vrabel said. “That’s what it’s about in this league — responding when the other side punches. We did that today.”
Patriots (1-1): Host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday. Dolphins (0-2): Visit the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.
