The Miami Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots 31-17 as they sweep the season series 2-0 on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Dolphins led 24-17 midway through the 4^th quarter when they tacked on another touchdown when Tua Tagovailoa threw a 31-yard touchdown to Jaylen Waddle to make it a two-score game with 2:43 left.

On the proceeding Patriots drive, the Dolphins would force a 4-and-out sealing their 6^th win of the season and handing the Patriots their 6^th loss on the season.

The Dolphins were led by their explosive offense, manned by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. Tagovailoa recorded 324 yards and 3 TDs on 30-45 passing. Waddle added 7 receptions for 121 yards and a TD.

Tyreek Hill continues his chase for 2,000 receiving yards as compiled 112 yards on 8 receptions with a TD. Hill now has 1,014 receiving yards on the season and has become the first player to have 1,000 receiving yards through first eight games.

Offensive Struggles Return

After New England’s offense showed vast improvement last week against Buffalo, the struggles for the Patriots’ offense returned this week in Miami. The Patriots only managed to record 218 yards, gain 13 first downs, and reach the red zone twice.

Seven of New England’s ten drive ended in either a turnover or punt.

Mac Jones also regressed after he had one of the best performances of his career last week. Jones threw for 161 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception on 19/29 passing. He now has thrown 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions this season.

“We need a little bit more production from me, from everybody,” said Mac Jones. “That’s where it starts, it starts with the quarterback. I can be cleaner on my reads and all that stuff. You got to be really sharp against a team with a really good offense”.

Jones was sacked three times. He has now been sacked 16 times throughout the season.

Kendrick Bourne, who left the game with an apparent knee injury, added 3 receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown. Rhamondre Stevenson gathered 39 yards on 10 carries.

Defensive Penalties and Conversions

The Patriots’ defense struggled with ending drives and getting off the field this week in Miami. The Dolphins had over 35 minutes of possession, which helped them chew the clock and score on five drives.

Penalties were a huge negative impact on the Patriots’ defense, as it gave Miami multiple opportunities to drive the ball down field. New England had 7 penalties for 45 yards throughout the game, including a costly defensive pass interference on 3^rd and goal.

New England also couldn’t buy defensive stops, as the Dolphins racked up many late down conversions. Miami went 5-14 on 3^rd down conversions and 3-3 on 4^th down conversions.

Though the Patriots had many issues on defense, Kyle Dugger managed to shine throughout the game. Dugger had 9 total tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, a pass deflection, and an interception this week in Miami.

Up Next

Next week the New England Patriots return home to welcome the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins travel to Germany to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.