Drake Maye Leads Patriots Past Dolphins With 24-19 Comeback

The New England Patriots overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the Miami Dolphins 24-19 on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Quarterback Drake Maye delivered two touchdown passes and a rushing score despite New England missing several key offensive players.

Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards as the Patriots improved to 5-3. New England scored 21 unanswered points after halftime before Miami mounted a late comeback attempt.

DeMario Douglas caught three passes for 76 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown that extended the Patriots' advantage to two scores early in the fourth quarter. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson contributed 82 yards on 19 carries.

Maye also connected with Kyle Williams for a 43-yard touchdown. Officials initially ruled the play incomplete, but Patriots coach Mike Vrabel challenged the decision, and replay review overturned the ruling after confirming Williams crossed the goal line before losing possession.

Maye described the team's second-half approach as a response to its difficult opening performance.

"We knew that once we settle in and get some drives together, we had a chance of getting some points on the board." Maye said.

Vrabel praised his quarterback for maintaining his performance despite the absence of wide receivers A.J. Brown and Mack Hollins, along with running back TreVeyon Henderson. Brown was sidelined with knee and ankle injuries, Hollins had a calf injury, and Henderson was unavailable because of illness.

"(If) you want to be a great quarterback in the National Football League, there's not a whole lot of excuses. You go out there and find ways to win for your football team. That's who he is and that's what he wants to continue to be." Vrabel said.

The Patriots coach also expressed confidence in his challenge of Williams' touchdown, which brought New England closer before its subsequent go-ahead score.

"I was a lot more certain than the officials were the first time they called it." Vrabel said.

Maye then gave New England the lead with a two-yard rushing touchdown and 59 seconds remaining in the third quarter. It marked his fifth consecutive game with at least three total touchdowns.

Miami entered halftime ahead 13-3 after Malik Willis directed an 11-play, 70-yard drive. Malik Washington finished the possession with a one-yard touchdown reception, while kicker Zane Gonzalez converted field goals from 31 and 52 yards.

Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. He was also sacked five times as the Dolphins fell to 1-6.

Miami's final scoring opportunity came when Willis connected with rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown with approximately two minutes remaining. However, the Dolphins failed to convert the two-point attempt.

New England secured possession when Stevenson recovered Bradley Pinion's onside kick. The Patriots then maintained control to complete the victory.

Willis also addressed an incident involving running back Ollie Gordon, who received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after exchanging words with a defender following a five-yard run. Coach Jeff Hafley temporarily removed Gordon from the game.

"Ollie is a competitor, and he cares about the game a lot. And I was just letting him know that in that situation, that he's wrong. I mean, that's the honest truth.

And it would be wrong if I didn't tell him the truth." Willis said.

Hafley acknowledged Miami's strong first-half performance but pointed to the team's inability to protect its advantage after the break.

"I thought it was probably the best half that we played all year in the first half in some phases. But we had not had a lead like that going into a half. And there was great energy and we came out and I believe we held them to a three-and-out.

And then those are the opportunities where you've got to learn to put people away." Hafley said.

New England tight end Hunter Henry left in the second quarter with a foot injury and did not return. Linebacker Gabe Jacas also exited in the third quarter with a knee injury. Miami edge rusher Malik Herring left with a shoulder injury.

The Patriots will host the Green Bay Packers in their next game, while the Dolphins are scheduled to welcome the Detroit Lions.