Patriots: Pats wrap up impressive regular season with dominant win versus Miami

The Patriots closed the regular season with a dominant 38–10 win over the Dolphins, outscoring Miami 21–0 in the second half to lock up the AFC’s No. 2 seed. New England finished the year 14–3, while the Dolphins fell to 7–10, a result that leaves Miami facing questions about head coach Mike McDaniel’s future after four seasons and a 35–33 record.

New England controlled the game statistically and physically, outgaining Miami 457–180 overall and 230–180 in the second half alone. Once the Patriots pulled away after halftime, the game was never in doubt, as their offense consistently moved the ball and the defense shut down any chance of a Dolphins comeback.

Drake Maye was efficient and composed, completing 14 of 18 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown before exiting early in the fourth quarter in favor of Joshua Dobbs. Maye finished the season with a league-leading 72 percent completion rate, 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while also adding 450 rushing yards and four scores. He now enters the postseason as the favorite for the NFL MVP award over Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Patriots’ running game was especially dominant. Rhamondre Stevenson totalled 131 yards on just seven carries, scored twice on the ground, and added a 15-yard receiving touchdown. TreVeyon Henderson contributed 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Maye added 41 yards on the ground. Hunter Henry led the receiving corps with five catches for 56 yards.

For Miami, rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers finished 16-of-23 for 137 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he was under constant pressure and was sacked five times. Playing without key offensive weapons De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins struggled to sustain drives and were overmatched as the game progressed.