FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Kyle Dugger intercepted Teddy Bridgewater and returned it 39 yards for a go-forward touchdown late in the 3rd quarter, and the New England Patriots saved their playoff hopes alive by rallying to conquer the Miami Dolphins 23-21 on Sunday.
Mac Jones had touchdown passes to Tyquan Thornton and Jakobi Meyers to support the Patriots (8-8) snap a four-video game dropping streak to their AFC East rivals. Jones finished 20 of 33 for 203 yards.
The Dolphins (8-8) entered with a prospect to clinch a postseason berth with a victory and reduction by the New York Jets at Seattle. Rather, Miami missing its fifth straight sport and will require to get upcoming week towards the Jets and want Buffalo to conquer New England to qualify for the postseason for the very first time since 2016.
Miami played without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s in the concussion protocol for the next time this year. Bridgewater started out in his location and was reliable, finishing 12 of 19 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown just before leaving late in the 3rd quarter with an hurt suitable ring finger just after currently being picked off by Dugger.
Bridgewater, who did not return, was replaced by Skylar Thompson. The 3rd-stringer experienced an interception and a late TD pass to Mike Gesicki to trim the deficit to 23-21. He finished 12 of 21 for 104 yards.
The Dolphins have been currently shorthanded, missing still left tackle Terron Armstead (toe/pectoral muscle mass/knee/hip), cornerback Xavien Howard (knee), and linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle/hand).
New England was without having defensive backs Jalen Mills (groin), Jack Jones (knee) and Marcus Jones (concussion), together with broad receiver DeVante Parker and limited conclusion Jonnu Smith, who the two have concussions.
It remaining Jonathan Jones and Myles Bryant as the starters at cornerback, with follow squad elevation Tae Hayes providing aid in sure sets as New England stuck mainly to zone.
The Dolphins largely performed it harmless offensively, functioning the ball typically, with Bridgewater sticking mainly to brief and intermediate passing routes.
Right after exchanging touchdowns in the initial half, the teams merged for six punts and a missed area purpose by Miami. The Dolphins broke the stalemate in the the third quarter when Bridgewater capped a 5-enjoy, 41-yard push with a 2-yard shovel move to Raheem Mostert that manufactured it 14-7.
Nick Folks lower into the direct on New England’s up coming series with a 49-yard field goal.
Miami was experiencing third down on the up coming push when Bridgewater threw into targeted traffic seeking for Trent Sherfield. Dugger picked it off and returned it 39 yards for his TD. But Folk’s further position banged off the upright, leaving the rating at 16-14.
It was Dugger’s 3rd rating of the period. It marked the fourth straight 7 days the Patriots have had a defensive score and their seventh of the year.
Bridgewater entered the medical tent for evaluation just after the INT and was replaced by Thompson, who was picked off by Jonathan Jones.
Two series afterwards, the Patriots went up 23-14 on Mac Jones’ 1-property TD pass to Meyers.
Obtaining DEFENSIVE
The Patriots’ seven defensive touchdowns this period are the most in franchise history and most by any group considering that the 2017 Jaguars. New England conquer Jacksonville that year in the AFC championship activity.
Injuries
Dolphins: S Jevon Holland visited the health-related tent after leaving with an arm harm early in the 2nd quarter. … OT Kendall Lamm still left in initially 50 % with an ankle issue.
Patriots: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley jogged off on his possess ability right after a collision in the 3rd quarter. … Meyers still left with a shoulder damage following this landing. … CB Jonathan Jones walked off on his personal power right after staying shaken up late in the fourth.
UP Future
Dolphins: Host the Jets up coming Sunday.
Patriots: Take a look at the Expenses up coming Sunday.
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