Patriots: Wrapping up my Thoughts on the 2025 NFL Regular Season Finale

The Patriots closed the 2025 regular season with a statement win, defeating the Dolphins 38–10 in Miami to finish 14–3 and secured the AFC’s No. 2 seed. Despite Miami being shorthanded and starting rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, the matchup still carried weight given New England’s recent struggles against the Dolphins. Under Mike Vrabel, the Patriots treated the finale as a symbolic turning point and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season.

New England set the tone early by dominating on the ground. Rhamondre Stevenson spearheaded a run-heavy opening drive that produced 70 rushing yards and led to an early touchdown by TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots mixed power football with creativity, using trick plays and misdirection to keep Miami off balance. A flea flicker set up a second touchdown, and Stevenson later scored on a direct snap, helping the Patriots jump out to a 14–0 first-quarter lead.

The defense was uneven early, allowing Ewers and the Dolphins to move the ball effectively and score once, but timely stops and Miami’s failed fourth-down attempt limited the damage. New England settled in as the game progressed, forcing a key fumble before halftime and stiffening in critical moments. The teams traded field goals late in the second quarter, including a career-long 59-yarder by Andy Borregales, sending the Patriots into halftime up 17–10.

The second half belonged almost entirely to New England. A red-zone interception by Jaylinn Hawkins halted Miami’s best chance to close the gap, and Stevenson took over offensively. He scored both as a receiver and on a long touchdown run, finishing a dominant night and extending the Patriots’ lead beyond reach. Henderson also contributed, surpassing 900 rushing yards on the season and adding a short touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Individually, several milestones highlighted the night. Stefon Diggs surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the seventh time in his career, becoming the Patriots’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2019 and earning a contract incentive. Drake Maye capped an outstanding second season by setting a new franchise record with a 72.0 completion percentage, surpassing Tom Brady’s mark from 2007. Maye finished the year with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, exiting the finale early as the Patriots confidently turned their focus to the playoffs.