BSJ Game Report: Patriots 24, Dolphins 19 - NE wakes up to dominate after taking 1st half off

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Dolphins in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

HEADLINES

Patriots didn't show up in the first half: The Patriots almost completely took the first half off, trailing 13-3 at the break. They turned the ball over (Efton Chism), couldn't block, missed a field goal and were outplayed on special teams, and made Malik Willis look good with soft defense. In the first half, the Dolphins outgained the Patriots 123 to 97 as Willis posted a 120 passer rating. The Dolphins converted 50% of their third downs.

Maye leads second-half turnaround: Drake Maye (7 of 10, 53 yards, 2 sacks) didn't really do anything wrong in the first half, the Patriots just stunk out loud and the blocking wasn't any good (Walter Rouse was benched for Ben Brown at halftime). In the second half, it was a completely different story. Maye, who did get some good run contributions from Rhamondre Stevenson after the break, basically put the team on his back as the Patriots outscored the Dolphins 21-0 to take control of the game.

First half:

Second half:

Maye hit Kyle Williams for a 43-yard touchdown, then had his own touchdown on an RPO fake that went untouched, and capped it off with a rollout to the right and then hit Pop Douglas, who ran about 30 yards for a 48-yard touchdown.

TURNING POINT