WATCH: Mac Jones, Kendrick Bourne Give New England Patriots Early Lead; Miami Dolphins Answer

The New England Patriots are off to a fast start against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Week 8.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots are channeling their inner Cobra Kai, but striking first and striking hard in their Week 8 matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. 

With optimal field position, quarterback Mac Jones led his team 30 yards on three plays, capped by a 24-yard strike from Jones to receiver Kendrick Bourne. For the second straight week, the Pats have taken an early lead on an AFC East rival. 

.@MacJones_10 to @BournePoly11 for the game's first score!

📺: #NEvsMIA on CBS pic.twitter.com/QpgfJUkw7F

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

New England sparked their first offensive output of the day with a pair of defenisve gems. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore sacked quarterback Tua Tagovaiola at the Dolphins 3-yard-line for a six-yard loss. On the ensuing throw, safety Kyle Dugger hopped a pass intended for receiver Tyreek Hill on third-and-15, returning the pick 15 yards to the Miami back to the Miami 30.

With a Chad Ryland extra point, New England jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 3:32 left in the first quarter. 

New England Patriots Mac Jones, Kendrick Bourne / Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Tagovaiola and the Dolphins answered with a six-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a scoring pass deep left to Hill for 42 yards and the touchdown to tie the game at seven. 

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.

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. 

---