NFL Week 2: Patriots beat Dolphins 33–27

MIAMI, F.L. — The Mike Vrabel era in New England has its first victory. Drake Maye threw for two touchdowns, ran for another, and Antonio Gibson delivered a 90-yard kickoff return as the Patriots outlasted the Miami Dolphins 33-27 on Sunday.

Maye completed 19 of 23 passes for 230 yards. He hit former Dolphin Mack Hollins on an 8-yard score and later connected with Kayshon Boutte for a 16-yard touchdown, highlighted by a spectacular one-handed grab. The quarterback also powered into the end zone on a rushing play to cap his three-touchdown afternoon.

Momentum swung in the fourth quarter when Miami’s Malik Washington returned a punt 74 yards to give the Dolphins a 27-23 lead. But on the very next play, Gibson answered with a kickoff return touchdown that put New England back on top.

Linebacker Marte Mapu intercepted Tua Tagovailoa on Miami’s next drive, setting up a 53-yard field goal from Andy Borregales, who had missed two extra points earlier but delivered in the clutch.

Tagovailoa was sharp, completing 26 of 32 passes for 315 yards with touchdowns to Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane. Tyreek Hill added six catches for 109 yards, including a 47-yarder. Still, Miami dropped to 0-2 for the first time under head coach Mike McDaniel.

For the Patriots, it was a confident bounce-back after last week’s loss. Vrabel’s team scored on its first three drives and showed composure in a critical AFC East road win.

Up next: The Patriots (1-1) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) next Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.

In August, the New England Patriots introduced a 12-foot bronze statue of Tom Brady at Gillette Stadium, honoring the quarterback who lead the team through two decades of dominance in the NFL.

Rising 17 feet in total with its granite base from Vermont, the monument is filled with symbolism: 12 feet for Brady’s legendary jersey number, a six-sided base representing his six Super Bowl victories in New England, and a total height of 17 feet marking his 17 AFC East titles.

Week 2: Patriots beat Dolphins