Maye scores three times as Patriots overturn 10-point deficit to beat Dolphins

Drake Maye recorded three touchdowns in a 24-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, allowing the New England Patriots to erase a 10-point halftime deficit. The win moved New England to a 5-3 record while Miami fell to 1-6.

The Patriots trailed 13-3 after the second quarter. Malik Washington capped an 11-play, 70-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give Miami the lead. Washington had briefly exited the game after a hit from linebacker Christian Elliss, who was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Washington returned five plays later to score his first receiving touchdown of the season.

New England outscored Miami 21-0 during the second half. Maye connected with Kyle Williams on a 43-yard pass that was initially ruled an incompletion. Coach Mike Vrabel challenged the call, and officials overturned it to a touchdown after reviewing footage that showed Williams crossing the goal line before the ball came loose. This play brought the Patriots within three points.

With 59 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Maye faked a handoff to Rhamondre Stevenson and ran 2 yards for a go-ahead score. The rushing touchdown gave New England a 17-13 lead. DeMario Douglas extended the advantage with a 48-yard reception early in the fourth quarter.

Miami responded late in the game. Malik Willis threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. with two minutes left. The Dolphins missed a two-point conversion, and Stevenson recovered the onside kick. New England controlled the clock from that point to secure the win.

Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards. Star receiver AJ Brown sat out with lingering injuries. Stevenson finished with 19 carries for 82 yards, and Douglas caught three passes for 76 yards. Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards for Miami, throwing two touchdowns and one interception while being sacked five times.

The Patriots host Green Bay next Sunday, and the Dolphins host Detroit on the same day.