Stevenson TD Not Enough For Patriots' Comeback

The New England Patriots again made it interesting late at Gillette Stadium, but also again ultimately came up short in a loss to the Miami Dolphins.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots did not go quietly into the night during their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. But nonetheless, they are 0-2

Facing a 24-10 deficit, quarterback Mac Jones led the Pats on a desperately needed nine-play, 75-yard drive. He connected with receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on an 11-yard reception and DeVante Parker on a 14-yard gain. However, the drive belonged to Rhamondre Stevenson, who sparked the series with a 12-yard run on 2nd-and-3 from the Miami 30-yard line. Stevenson capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown.

The score brought New England within seven points, but a late drive died at Miami's 29 in the 24-17 loss. 

A TD run for @dreeday32 🏈#MIAvsNE | #ForeverNE

📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/XbuTeDnYCu

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2023

The Pats played from behind all night, twice cutting 14-point deficits to seven. Jones led an earlier scoring drive of 58 yards with a 6-yard scoring pass to tight end Hunter Henry.

Photo by Adam Glanzman

The tide appeared to be turning in New England's favor when rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez earned his first interception on a pass attempt from Dolphins' quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Unfortunately, New England gave the ball back to Miami after a quick three-and-out. Miami took advantage of the Pats' futility by scoring on a 43-yard touchdown run from lead back Raheem Mostert.

The Patriots and Dolphins faced off for the first of two meetings this season. The second game of the annual series will be played at Miami on Oct. 29. The two teams split the series in 2022, with the Patriots losing on opening day at Miami, 20-7, on Sept. 11 and then getting revenge with a 23-21 win at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 1.