Outscored 21-6 After Halftime, Miami Dolphins Week 8 Instant Takeaways: Second Half Collapse Costs Potential Signature Win

A lead slips away

Miami looked poised for a major win after shutting down an injury-riddled New England offense in the first half. The Dolphins went into halftime ahead 13-3, but their narrow margin for error became clear after the break.

The Patriots took control, scoring 21 points to Miami’s six. A replay official reversed a fourth-down stop with the Dolphins leading 13-10, giving New England a first down and keeping alive the drive that produced the go-ahead touchdown.

Mistakes widened the gap

Ollie Gordon II drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for talking to an opponent, turning a third-and-5 into a third-and-20. Later, Zane Gonzalez missed a 43-yard field goal, leaving Miami needing an onside kick to get another chance.

The Dolphins also lacked urgency in the fourth quarter, continuing to run the ball while trailing by two scores and allowing the play clock to run down. The account says Miami needed to pass more, including on second-and-12.

Offense and line takeaways

Malik Willis played adequately and was not the reason for the loss, though his performance fell short of his showing against the New York Jets. Gordon faced a tougher matchup, with Kadyn Proctor out because of a concussion.

Defense and special teams

Miami’s defense was strong in the first half, but two long touchdown passes accounted for almost half of Drake Maye’s passing yardage. Maye completed 80 percent of his passes, and DeMario Douglas was wide open for a 43-yard touchdown.

Jacob Rodriguez forced a turnover with a Peanut punch. Chris Johnson missed a chance to sack Maye and was later involved in the overturned fourth-down stop; the account says television replays did not show anything obvious enough to overturn the original ruling. Willie Gay Jr. faced two offensive players on Maye’s option-play rushing touchdown, leaving him in a difficult position.