Getty Images

The Patriots beat the Dolphins 33-27, picking up their first win in Miami since 2019. The win was also Mike Vrabel’s first win as Patriots coach. Needless to say, there were plenty of game balls to go around after the game.

Here are seven points in the Patriots win.

1. Maye bounces back: Drake Maye bounced back in a big way completing 19-of-23 passes for 230 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. Maye also rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. He looked comfortable and played with great poise. Any questions regarding Maye’s comfort level in Josh McDaniels offense were answered today.

2. Running game goes for 122: The Patriots running game was anemic last week as the team only rushed for 60 yards in the loss to the Raiders. It was a different story today as the team collectively rushed for 122 yards. That is not a lot for the group collectively but it is an improvement over the previous week.

3. Stevenson makes an impression: Rhamondre Stevenson looked like a top ten running back today. He carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and caught 5 passes for 88 yards including a long of 55 yards. He looked like the running back we saw in 2022 not what we have seen the past two seasons.

4. Pass Rush was good. Secondary was meh: The Patriots racked up five sacks, including two from Milton Williams but the secondary once again struggled and it is abundantly obvious that they once again missed Christian Gonzalez.

5. Kuhr calls the D: I thought inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr did a good job calling the defense. When you consider the circumstances, to step in and call the defense basically on short notice is pretty impressive. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is expect to be out again this week so the expectation is Kuhr will continue to serve as interim DC.

6. Borregales up and down: Rookie kicker Andres Borregales had an up and down game. He missed two extra points but then hit a 53 yard field goal. He followed that up by failing to get the ball in the landing zone, resulting in the Dolphins getting the ball at the 40 late in the game. The inconsistency is maddening and he needs to be better. Especially when you consider the fact that his training camp competitor, Parker Romo went 5 for 5 for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night in their 22-6 win over the Vikings.

7. Gibby responds: Just when it seemed like the Patriots were on the ropes and they were going to lose after giving up a 74 yard punt return touchdown to Malik Washington, Antonio Gibson responded with a 90 yard kickoff return touchdown on the ensuing possession. It was a wild back and forth but the touchdown proved to be the game winner and it also proved Gibson is a valuable part of the Patriots because of his return value.