WATCH: JuJu Smith-Schuster First New England TD, Patriots Cut Miami Dolphins Lead

The much-maligned New England Patriots receiver found the end zone for the fist time as a Patriot during their Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins.

The New England Patriots have made things interesting in the waining moments of the second half of their Week 8 matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. 

After taking an early 7-0 lead, the Pats surrendered 17 unanswered points to the Fins offense — including a Jason Sanders field goal to close the second quarter, facilitated by an ill-fated Mac Jones interception to Miami cornerback Jalen Ramsey. 

While Miami held a 24-10 lead heading into the final quarter of regulation, New England mounted a 13-play, 81-yard drive to find the end zone for the second time of the day. Running back Ezekiel Elliott sparked the drive with a 17-yard run, followed by a 14-yard reception from tight end Hunter Henry. The series was capped by a three-yard touchdown catch from JuJu Smith-Schuster, his first such scoring grab as a Patriot.

First TD as a Patriot 🏈@TeamJuJu | #ForeverNE

📺: #NEvsMIA on CBS pic.twitter.com/IDAuiXRxFe

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 29, 2023

The catch helped the Pats cut Miami’s lead to 24-17 with just over seven minutes remaining in the game. 

This Week 8 matchup marks the second, and final meeting between the two AFC East rivals in 2023, barring a potential playoff showdown. The Patriots suffered a hard-luck 24-17 Week 2 loss at Gillette Stadium.

Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

The Pats entered this game hoping to earn their second consecutive victory, following their 29-25 win over the Buffalo Bills last week. Conversely, the Dolphins are fresh off a 31-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7.

With both Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte inactive, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will return to the lineup after missing the past two games while in concussion protocol. This contest will also be the first healthy scratch of the season for Thornton, the Pats second-year wideout. Linebacker Josh Uche was ruled out on Saturday due to and ankle/toe injury. Uche has been heavily rumored to be a prime trade candidate, as Tuesday’s Oct. 31 deadline approaches.