Dugger INT return helps lift Patriots over fading Dolphins 23-21

By James On Jan 1, 2023

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Kyle Dugger intercepted Teddy Bridgewater and returned it 39 yards for the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter, and the New England Patriots kept their playoff hopes alive by rallying to win to the Miami Dolphins 23-21. on Sunday.

Mac Jones had touchdown passes to Tyquan Thornton and Jakobi Meyers to help the Patriots (8-8) snap a four-game losing streak against their AFC East rivals. Jones was 20 of 33 for 203 yards.

The Dolphins (8-8) arrived with a chance to clinch a postseason berth with a win and a loss to the New York Jets in Seattle. Instead, Miami lost its fifth straight game and will need to win next week against the Jets and needs Buffalo to beat New England to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2016.

Miami played without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is in the concussion protocol for the second time this season. Bridgewater started in place and was solid, completing 12 of 19 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown before leaving late in the third quarter with a sprained right ring finger after being picked off by Dugger.

Bridgewater, who did not return, was replaced by Skylar Thompson. The third spar had an interception and a late TD pass to Mike Gesicki to cut the deficit to 23-21. He finished 12 of 21 for 104 yards.

The Dolphins were already shorthanded, missing left tackle Terron Armstead (toe/chest/knee/hip), cornerback Xavien Howard (knee) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle/hand).

New England was without defensive backs Jalen Mills (groin), Jack Jones (knee) and Marcus Jones (concussion), along with wide receiver DeVante Parker and tight end Jonnu Smith, all of whom have concussions.

It left Jonathan Jones and Myles Bryant starting in the corner, with practice squad elevation Tae Hayes providing support in certain sets as New England stayed mostly in the zone.

The Dolphins mostly played it safe offensively, running the ball often, and Bridgewater mostly stuck to short and middle passing routes.

After trading touchdowns in the first half, the teams combined for six punts and a missed field goal by Miami. The Dolphins broke the deadlock in the third quarter when Bridgewater capped a five-play, 41-yard drive with a 2-yard shovel pass to Raheem Mostert that made it 14-7.

Nick Folk took the lead on New England’s ensuing drive with a 49-yard field goal.

Miami was on third down on the ensuing drive when Bridgewater dove into traffic looking for Trent Sherfield. Dugger picked it up and returned it 39 yards for his TD. But Folk’s extra point hit the upright, leaving the score 16-14.

It was Dugger’s third touchdown of the season. He marked the fourth straight week the Patriots have had a defensive touchdown and the seventh of the season.

Bridgewater entered the medical tent for evaluation after INT and was replaced by Thompson, who was intercepted by Jonathan Jones.

Two series later, the Patriots went up 23-14 on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Mac Jones to Meyers.

GET DEFENSIVE

The Patriots’ seven defensive touchdowns this season are the most in franchise history and the most by any team since the 2017 Jaguars. New England beat Jacksonville that season in the AFC Championship Game.

INJURIES

Dolphins: S Jevon Holland visited the medical tent after leaving with an arm injury early in the second quarter. … OT Kendall Lamm left in the first half with an ankle problem.

Patriots: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley ran out under his own power after a collision in the third quarter. … Meyers left with a shoulder injury after this touchdown. … CB Jonathan Jones left under his own power after being rocked late in the quarter.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Dolphins: Host the Jets next Sunday.

Patriots: Visit the Bills next Sunday.