The Patriots, who struggled through a forgettable first half against Miami, are back in business.
First, quarterback Tom Brady hit rookie receiver Aaron Dobson for a 14-yard touchdown, cutting the Dolphins’ lead to 17-10 with 8:28 left in the third quarter.
Then, on the Dolphins’ next series, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill fumbled after being hit by Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan on a blitz. Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich recovered, setting up New England on the Miami 13. Three plays later, Patriots running back Brandon Bolden scored a two-yard TD run off left end, tying the game at 17.
The Patriots made it 17 unanswered points with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal with eight seconds left in the third quarter, giving them a 20-17 lead as the teams switched ends for the fourth quarter in Foxborough.
