Six Takeaways From Patriots’ Sloppy Victory Over Dolphins

The New England Patriots turned things around with a victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

It’s never easy, though, is it?

The Patriots dominated the majority of the game, but watched double-digit penalties, a near-disaster on special teams and poor situational awareness slow them down and turn it into a slugfest. The Dolphins just happened to be worse, which is one of the many takeaways coming out of the victory:

MAYE WAS MARVELOUS

Maye just played the best game of his career — the type of “get-on-my-back” performance that everyone has been waiting to see — finishing 19-of-23 passing with 263 total yards and three total touchdowns, all while limiting his turnovers to zero.

The Patriots have piled things onto his plate this offseason, but this game served as an example of how good he can be.

Maye’s poise and creativity stood out during the touchdown drives, where he bought time with his legs and made some incredible throws — including the longest of his entire career to running back Rhamondre Stevenson — in what served as his first comeback victory.

SPEED STILL CAUSING SNAGS

The Dolphins continue to be one of the fastest teams in the NFL, but we’re rolling into a third consecutive season where this defense has faced significant issues keeping up with speedy opponents.

It’s a major issue.

Tyreek Hill recorded his first explosive catch (in terms of air yards) since 2023, while Devon Achane did whatever he wanted in the passing game and had eight receptions for 92 yards out of the backfield — with the defense feeling like they need to be perfect in order to give themselves a chance.

CHEMISTRY NOT THERE YET

Maye still doesn’t seem to have an obvious go-to receiver.

Hunter Henry and Kayshon Boutte, two players who have thrived playing alongside the second-year quarterback, finished with just two total receptions in this one — including a beautiful touchdown in the first quarter.

Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins both had instances of miscommunication with their signal-caller that led to stalled drives. Austin Hooper had three catches, though his playing time has diminished early this season.

It’ll take time for everyone to get on the same page, as it does every season, but you’d like to see a pair of veterans help out the young quarterback.

.@KayshonBoutte1 adds 6!

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/3lr5eSUkwo

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 14, 2025

DEFENSE STRUGGLED UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP

Zak Kuhr was put in the unenviable position of replacing Terrell Williams on Sunday.

Williams, dealing with what seems to be another significant health scare, left the team early in the week and could be kept away for an extended period of time. Kuhr, the inside linebackers coach, stepped into play-calling duties and struggled to help his unit generate pressure during a significant portion of the football game.

New England ended up getting some big stops, and settled into the game as it progressed, but you have to wonder how things will look when the defense is matched up against a more confident (and competent) quarterback-coach duo in future weeks?

STEVENSON’S SOIREE

Stevenson received plenty of deserved flak this offseason, as he failed to live up to the four-year contract extension he earned last offseason.

It’s safe to say he lived up to the billing Sunday…

Stevenson finished with 142 total yards on 16 touches, including the longest catch of his career (55 yards) and a superb average per carry (4.9). New England leaned on him heavily after moving away from rookie TreVeyon Henderson, fell out of favor after being called for several avoidable penalties.

The Patriots will rely on their trio at different points this season, but there’s no question about whose afternoon it was in Week 2.

BOOT THE KICKER (?)

It’s been a rollercoaster ride with Andy Borregales.

The Patriots handed him the job, mostly because they didn’t want to look foolish for cutting their sixth-round pick, but also partly due to the fact that they assumed the kid would find more consistency without someone breathing down his neck.

Borregales has now missed one field goal and two extra-point attempts across his two games, while the guy he technically won the job over prepares to kick for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, but he might have saved his job with a huge kick late in the game (though he did make an immediate mistake by mishitting the ensuing kickoff).