The New England Patriots scored 27 unanswered points in the second half to help them to a 41-13 victory over divisional rivals the Miami Dolphins this evening, clinching the AFC East title and a place in the playoffs in the process.
The Dolphins made a nightmare start to the match as Caleb Sturgis saw a field goal attempt blocked and returned all the way for a touchdown by Kyle Arrington.
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Sturgis went some way to atoning for his error when he reduced the deficit to four with a short field goal at the end of the first quarter, but Shane Vereen put his side in control with a three-yard rushing score in the second.
Sturgis added another kick to chip away at the lead before Mike Wallace produced a stunning one-handed catch in the dying seconds of the half to make it a one-point game at the break.
The Patriots dominated the third quarter, however, scoring early on courtesy of a three-yard rushing score from LeGarrette Blount before Stephen Gostkowski added a field goal.
Ryan Tannehill then threw an interception with the first play of the next possession, and Tom Brady took full advantage, firing a fine pass down the middle to Rob Gronkowski for a 27-yard score.
The hosts had the ball again shortly after as Miami were forced into a punt, and once more they came away with points on the board as Brady found Julian Edelman for a touchdown.
Gostkowski made it even more convincing for the hosts in the final quarter with a 36-yard field goal, and the Dolphins could not respond as they fell to 7-7 for the season.
Barney Corkhill
