In a game with five lead changes and plenty of late drama, the New England Patriots edged out the Miami Dolphins 33-27. In this AFC East divisional clash, New England looked far sharper than they did in their disappointing Week 1 home opener.
The victory snapped a four-game losing streak in Miami and marked the Patriots’ first win there since 2019, when Tom Brady led the team to a 43-0 shutout.
This time around, rookie quarterback Drake Maye delivered a much-improved performance, the defense stepped up in crunch time, and the special teams provided the biggest spark of the game. The Patriots left Hard Rock Stadium with their first win of the season and plenty of positives to build on.
Here are my Studs and Duds from Week 2:
Studs
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
After a lackluster Week 1, Stevenson looked much closer to his Pro Bowl-caliber form. He ran for 54 yards on 11 carries but made an even bigger impact in the passing game, hauling in five catches for 88 yards. His 55-yard reception late in the third quarter was the longest catch of his career and set up a key scoring drive. Stevenson showed why he remains one the most versatile weapons in New England’s backfield.
RB Antonio Gibson
Gibson provided the play of the game. After Miami’s Malik Washington returned a punt 74 yards to put the Dolphins back in front, Patriots fans braced for the worst. But Gibson immediately flipped the script, taking the ensuing kickoff 90 yards to the house. The return silenced the Miami crowd and swung momentum back in New England’s favor. Beyond the touchdown, Gibson added 27 rushing yards on 5 carries, giving the offense a reliable option behind Stevenson.
DT Milton Williams
Williams played his best when it mattered most. He consistently pushed the pocket throughout the afternoon, but his biggest moment came on Miami’s final drive. With the Dolphins driving for a potential game-winning score, Williams broke through and sacked Tua Tagovailoa to effectively end the game. His veteran presence has been effective in the Patriots locker room with multiple players quoting his hard work and leadership.
Duds
DB Alex Austin
Austin has quietly been a steady contributor since joining the Patriots, but this was a game that Austin struggled. He was beaten multiple times in coverage, including giving up a 47-yard bomb to Tyreek Hill. Austin’s struggles forced the safeties to cheat toward his side, opening up more room for Miami’s offense. The Patriots need Christian Gonzalez back as soon as possible to help out in secondary.
OT Morgan Moses
Moses nearly derailed the Patriots’ upset bid with costly mental errors. The veteran right tackle committed three false-start penalties during the game, stalling drives and giving the Dolphins extra chances. At 33 years old, there’s very little excuse for repeatedly losing focus on the snap count. The Patriots managed to survive his mistakes this time, but if Moses doesn’t clean up the penalties, it’s going to get much harder to win in this league.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 19-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Ben.BelfordPeltzman@gmail.com with any inquires.
