Alec Ingold scored a crucial 3-yard touchdown run with just four minutes remaining, leading the Miami Dolphins to a 15-10 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Jason Sanders contributed significantly to the win, kicking three field goals after the Dolphins’ special teams struggled with three missed kicks during the game.
The match featured two teams struggling at the bottom of the NFL standings, riddled with penalties and missed opportunities. Both teams managed only one touchdown, with Miami (2-3) taking the lead courtesy of Ingold’s solo carry into the end zone.
The Patriots (1-4) had two opportunities to regain the lead after failing on a 2-point conversion. Their first chance ended as a replay review ruled out what was initially seen as a touchdown catch. The second attempt concluded unsuccessfully at the Miami 11-yard line, where Jacoby Brissett completed a 25-yard pass to Hunter Henry, but time expired before they could stop the clock.
Tyler Huntley, in his second start filling in for Tua Tagovailoa, went 18 of 31 for 194 yards and one interception. Tyreek Hill led the receiving corps with six catches for 69 yards, while Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert combined for 166 rushing yards for the Dolphins, who previously faced a three-game losing streak with a rotating series of backup quarterbacks due to Tagovailoa’s injury.
The Patriots initially benched Rhamondre Stevenson, who struggled with ball security, but he recovered by rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown, following an interception by Christian Gonzalez that put New England in prime position. Brissett completed 18 of 34 attempts for 160 yards throughout the game.
As the clock wound down, the Patriots celebrated what they thought was a go-ahead touchdown, but replays determined that Ja’Lynn Polk’s foot was out of bounds. After a series of missed opportunities, including incompletions and penalties, New England turned the ball over on downs.
In a scramble to regain momentum, the Patriots managed to advance to the Dolphins’ 36-yard line with just seconds left but ultimately couldn’t stop the clock. Brissett’s connection with Henry was too far inbounds, sealing Miami’s victory.
Sanders provided the Dolphins with an early lead with a 54-yard field goal on their first drive but encountered trouble later, missing a 41-yarder and witnessing a failed snap that prevented another attempt. A blocked punt set the Patriots up at Miami’s 23, but they failed to capitalize, as Joey Slye missed a 33-yard field goal.
The Dolphins faced further challenges with clock mismanagement, resulting in missed scoring opportunities. A snap miscue lost the Dolphins 20 yards, and a false start nullified a successful field goal attempt later on.
Injuries impacted the Dolphins, with running back De’Von Achane and safety Jevon Holland both leaving the game due to injuries. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made his season debut but did not record any catches.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins will have a bye week before facing the Indianapolis Colts on October 20, while the Patriots prepare to host the Houston Texans next Sunday.