Studs and duds for Patriots in 24-19 win over Dolphins - Patriots Wire

The New England Patriots handled their business in an ugly road game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. What else could be expected of a shorthanded Patriots team on a rainy day against a feisty AFC East division rival?

The Dolphins gave the Patriots their best punch. They moved the ball against New England's vaunted defense, and they held the Patriots' offense to only three points through the first two quarters. And then they quickly unraveled in the second half.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye put on his Superman cape and accounted for three touchdowns to outscore the Dolphins 21-6 through the final two quarters. Some might not be excited by the way the Patriots won, but the team can find solace in the fact that they won the game.

Cory Durden was a menace on the defensive front. He helped plug the gaps against the Dolphins' run-heavy offense, and he also dialed up tremendous pressure on quarterback Malik Willis. By the end of the game, Durden had four tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss and three quarterback hits. He was moving bodies up front and making it hard on the Dolphins to establish any rhythm.

Patriots kicker Andy Borregales had a chance to tie the game before halftime, but he whiffed on a 40-yard field goal. The Dolphins then cashed in on a touchdown going in the opposite direction after the turnover on downs. It was an ugly sequence that had the Patriots on the ropes early in the game.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye put the team on his back in this game. He was nearly flawless in the second half, throwing 9-for-10 for 146 yards and accounting for three total touchdowns. His ability to escape the pocket and extend plays made all the difference in a game where he played behind a makeshift offensive line and was down multiple receiving weapons, including tight end Hunter Henry, who left the game in the first half with a foot injury.

Late in the fourth quarter, Patriots cornerback Charles Woods slipped in coverage and left Dolphins wideout Kevin Coleman wide open for a 35-yard touchdown reception. It was a play that let the Dolphins back into the game and gave them a chance to get another possession on an onside kick. However, the Patriots were fortunate enough to recover the onside kick and close out the game on their next drive.

This was a rough night for the kickoff return unit. They gave up multiple big plays, including a 43-yard return by Dolphins running back/returner Jaylen Wright. On five returns, Wright averaged 28.4 yards with a total of 142 return yards.

Rhamondre Stevenson closed the show for the Patriots by corralling the onside kick attempt by the Dolphins and then bleeding the rest of the clock by running the ball. He finished with a team-high 19 carries for 82 yards in the game. It's clear that Stevenson is the Patriots' do-everything running back with his ability to run, catch and pass-block.

Christian Elliss was flying around everywhere on defense. The veteran linebacker tied for a team-high with nine tackles, 0.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss and one quarterback hit. He also had a would-be interception, but the play was wiped out due to an offsides penalty called on veteran edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones.

The Patriots had reserve offensive lineman Walter Rouse in at the start, but he struggled in the first half of the game. One of the adjustments made by the team was benching Rouse for Ben Brown, who has been working his way back from a knee injury. With Brown back in the mix, it could be back to the bench for good for Rouse.

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