Stevenson Scores Three Touchdowns as Patriots Rout Dolphins, Secure AFC East Title

The New England Patriots capped one of the most dramatic turnarounds in franchise history on Sunday, dominating the Miami Dolphins 38–10 to finish the regular season as AFC East champions and secure a playoff matchup at home. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson led the way with three total touchdowns, scoring twice on the ground and once through the air from quarterback Drake Maye. Stevenson rushed for 131 yards on just seven carries, helping New England complete its first season sweep of Miami since 2016. Under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots rebounded from last season’s struggles to finish 14–3, their best record since their Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2016. New England enters the playoffs as the No. 2 seed and will host the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round.

“We’ve built an identity and stuck to it,” Maye said after the game. “When we do that, good things happen.” TreVeyon Henderson added two short touchdown runs, including one following a 56-yard burst by Stevenson on the opening drive. Maye completed 14 of 18 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown before sitting out much of the fourth quarter with the game in hand. Miami struggled on both sides of the ball while dealing with multiple injuries. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 137 yards with one touchdown and one interception before exiting late with a knee injury. Coach Mike McDaniel said initial evaluations showed the knee was stable.

The Patriots extended a 17–10 halftime lead early in the second half when Maye found Stevenson for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Stevenson later broke free for a 35-yard scoring run, effectively sealing the win. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the season with a 34-yard catch in the third quarter, marking the seventh such season of his career and the first by a Patriots receiver since 2019. New England also benefited from a career-long 59-yard field goal by kicker Andy Borregales as time expired in the first half.

Vrabel credited the team’s success to discipline and consistency. “We brought in the right people, played smart football, and avoided beating ourselves,” he said.

The Dolphins finished 7–10 and will enter an offseason filled with uncertainty, while the Patriots now turn their attention to the postseason.