Patriots stop Dolphins 23-16

By Hugo Guzman | Sunday, November 13, 2005 | ( 0 )

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The New England Patriots needed a late Tom Brady touchdown and a big defensive stop late in the game to overcome the Miami Dolphins 23-16. The Patriots also got big contributions for two role players. Wide receiver Tim Dwight and recently acquired fullback Heath Evans (who was recently cut by the Dolphins) were big factors for New England. Dwight caught a 59-yard pass to setup the Patriot's winning score. Evans rushed for 84 yards on 17 carries and scored on a 2-point conversion attempt.

The Miami Dolphins held the lead for most of the game and had plenty of opportunities to put the game away, but missed throws, key turnovers, and dropped passes doomed them to their 6th loss of the season. Quarterback Gus Frerotte had very impressive numbers (25-47 360 yds 2 TD 1 INT) but missed several key throws late in the game. The lone bright spot for the Dolphins offense was the play of running back Ronnie Brown who rushed for 64 tough yards on 14 carries and hauled in 4 catches for 28 yards. Ricky Williams was held to 13 yards on 11 carries and also took a ferocious hit from Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel.

Tom Brady threw for 275 yards on 21 of 36 passing. He did throw two key touchdowns but was also intercepted twice by a surprisingly stout Dolphins secondary. Running back Corey Dillon was still nursing a sore ankle and was unable to contribute, but as usual, the Patriots called upon their reserves and they came through in a big way.

The New England Patriots improve to 5-4 and have sole possession of first place in the AFC East. The Miami Dolphins fall to 3-6.

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