The New England Patriots turned around a 14-point half-time deficit to beat AFC East rivals the Miami Dolphins 27-17 at Gillette Stadium.
A missed field goal attempt by Dolphins kicker Caleb Sturgis shortly after the break was perhaps the turning point, with two quick fire touchdowns pegging Miami level before the end of the third quarter.
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Miami had held a 17-3 lead at the interval, through touchdowns from wide receiver Brandon Gibson and Daniel Thomas off of passes from second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
At that stage the visitors had the momentum, with Tom Brady being first intercepted and then sacked, before field goals for each team meant that the Patriots had plenty to do when play resumed.
Sturgis' missed effort gave the Patriots the belief they needed to turn the game around, and a short pass from Brady to Aaron Dobson saw a 14-yard touchdown converted.
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When Tannehill was sacked during the following drive, Rob Ninkovich recovered the ball for New England but his touchdown was not given.
Instead it was left to Brandon Bolden to level things up, running the ball in for a two-yard score.
A 48-yard field goal attempt from Stephen Gostkowski gave the hosts the lead for the first time, before running back Stevan Ridley made the game safe with 2:37 left on the clock.
Joe McPhee
