Breaking down three key sequences in the Patriots' comeback over the Dolphins through video analysis: a crucial third-down pickup that set up Kyle Williams' touchdown; the Dolphins' role in Drake Maye's touchdown run; and Elijah Ponder's assist that set the stage for DeMario Douglas' touchdown:
3-3-NE 45 (10:44) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass short left to R.Stevenson to NE 49 for 4 yards (J.Brooks).
1-10-NE 49 (10:08) R.Stevenson up the middle to MIA 43 for 8 yards (W.Gay; J.Brooks).
2-2-MIA 43 (9:30) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass deep right to K.Williams for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
The Patriots' offense was pretty much DOA before this third down on the second possession of the second half. The Dolphins walked up eight players to the line, but obviously at least two were going to drop out to handle the Patriots' 2x2 formation that turned into 3x1 once DeMario Douglas went in motion. That left at least six rushers for the Patriots' five linemen, and Drake Maye put Rhamondre Stevenson into pass protection to even things out.
The Dolphins dropped everyone out after the snap, leaving just four rushers. After the snap, Stevenson smartly saw the Patriots were covered on the offensive line so he became an outlet receiver. Maye really didn't have much after the snap — he probably could have put it on Efton Chism and it would have converted — and he was under some pressure because Will Campbell allowed Chop Robinson to get into his chest, and Campbell was getting walked back into Maye. The QB deftly stepped up and dumped it off to Stevenson, who made a terrific catch off the turf and was able to convert a big third down. Maye's pass didn't have to be this hard; he could have thrown a more catchable ball to let Stevenson turn upfield for more yardage, but for some reason Maye has issues with passes in this area (slants as well).
A well-blocked Stevenson run on first down put the Patriots in good down and distance (both of Maye's big TD passes were preceded by Stevenson runs of at least 5 yards).
On the touchdown, it's simply a matter of Maye having enough time because Kyle Williams is one-on-one with Dolphins rookie safety Michael Taafle, who doesn't have enough speed to catch up. Ben Brown was beaten off the snap by DT Jordan Phillips, so Maye has to climb the pocket. Despite not having a good base to release the pass, Maye gets a ton on the pass to Williams. I really don't want to hear anything about his shoulder. This throw was all arm, and he threw a rocket.
3-2-MIA 2 (1:02) (Shotgun) C.Lomu reported in as eligible. D.Maye right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.