BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New England Patriots were having a hard time finishing strong early this season. Saturday, it was the other way around.
New England overcame a 17 point deficit with 27 consecutive points and held on to beat the Miami Dolphins, 27-24, in Foxborough. With the victory, the Patriots clinched a first-round bye for the playoffs.
"We really didn't do anything very well," Patriots coach Bill Belichick told the media after the game of his team's shortcomings early on. "We didn't throw, we didn't catch, we didn't get open, we couldn't block, we couldn't tackle, we couldn't cover, we couldn't rush, we couldn't return kicks, we couldn't cover them. Pick a winner."
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for 304 yards and a touchdown. He also scored on a pair of rushes.
Matt Moore threw three touchdowns and an interception for the Dolphins, and running back Reggie Bush had another big game, gaining 113 yards on the ground.
Deion Branch caught Brady's lone touchdown strike, and Devin McCourty picked off Moore.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
