In a pivotal Week 12 matchup, the Miami Dolphins continued their midseason resurgence with a commanding 34-15 victory over the New England Patriots, marking their third consecutive win. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the charge with a stellar performance, throwing four touchdown passes and amassing 317 yards through the air. The win lifted Miami to 5-6, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a razor-thin margin for error in the season’s final stretch.
Tagovailoa, who has showcased remarkable poise during Miami’s winning streak, was at his best on Sunday. Entering the game with a league-leading 73.4% completion rate, the Dolphins’ star quarterback completed 29 of 40 passes and improved his season totals to 11 touchdowns and just one interception since returning from injured reserve in Week 8.
“Tua has mastered the ability to remain even-keeled,” head coach Mike McDaniel said. “His calm demeanor sets the tone for the entire team.”
The Dolphins offense has been electric, scoring 30-plus points in consecutive games for the first time this season. Miami’s victory also marked a historic sweep of their division rivals, as they defeated the Patriots in both matchups for the second straight year, a feat the team hadn’t achieved since 1999-2000.
Jaylen Waddle had a standout game, catching eight passes for a season-high 144 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown that extended Miami’s lead to 31-0 entering the fourth quarter. Running back De’Von Achane also contributed with a pair of touchdowns in the first half: a 9-yard score on a screen pass and an 11-yard rush.
Tight end Jonnu Smith continued his breakout season, catching a 7-yard touchdown pass and finishing with 87 yards on nine receptions. Smith’s strong performances over the past two weeks have added another dimension to the Dolphins’ passing attack.
Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson briefly replaced Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter, but a fumbled handoff on his first play was returned 63 yards for a touchdown by New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Tagovailoa returned for the next series to ensure Miami maintained control of the game.
Miami’s defense complemented the offense’s dominance with a solid outing. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson intercepted Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye late in the game, and the Dolphins’ defense stopped New England on fourth down on their final drive.
The Patriots, who struggled offensively for most of the game, were shut out until the fourth quarter. Maye connected with Austin Hooper for a wide-open 38-yard touchdown to break the shutout early in the final period. Maye finished 22 of 37 for 221 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
With the loss, New England fell to 3-9, cementing their third straight losing season for the first time since 1991-1993. Penalties and a lackluster offensive effort plagued the Patriots, who managed just 30 rushing yards from Antonio Gibson and 61 receiving yards from DeMario Douglas.
The Dolphins face a short turnaround, traveling to Green Bay for a Thursday night showdown that could further solidify their postseason ambitions. Meanwhile, the Patriots will return home to host the Indianapolis Colts as they try to salvage what remains of their season.
With Tagovailoa firing on all cylinders and the Dolphins clicking in all phases, Miami’s playoff push is officially in full swing.
