Dolphins 17–16 Patriots: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 1, 2021

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots?

M. Jones (New England Patriots), 65.9% completion, +7.6% CPOE, +0.15 EPA per dropback, +6.71 total passing EPA. T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), 53.3% completion, -4.6% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.54 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots?

M. Jones (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.71 total EPA on Passing plays. across 44 snaps. Their top snap (-4.88 EPA): (3:40) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 38-R.Stevenson to NE 48 for 9 yards (21-E.Rowe). FUMBLES (21-E.Rowe), RECOVERED by MIA-92-Z.Sieler at NE 48. The Replay Official reviewed the .

Quick answer

Winner: Miami Dolphins
Final score: Miami Dolphins 17–16 New England Patriots
Halftime: Tied 10–10 at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Marcus Jones
Top passer: Marcus Jones
Biggest EPA play: (3:35) 37-D.Harris right tackle to MIA 9 for 2 yards (25-X.Howard, 55-J.Baker). FUMBLES (2…
Game date: 2021-09-12

Game summary

The Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 17–16 on 2021-09-12. Marcus Jones posted a game-high +6.71 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 13 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Miami Dolphins	7	3	7	0	0	17
New England Patriots	0	10	3	3	0	16

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

MIAMiami Dolphins

NE 3

+1NE 15

+3MIA 9

MIA 7

+1MIA 15

+3NE 30

NE 3

+1NE 15

+3MIA 24

+3MIA 15

NENew England Patriots

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

10 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

MIAMiami Dolphins
Q1 5:35TD
Tua Tagovailoa
Points+6
Yard line
NE 3
Score
6-0
(5:35) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NE-91-D.Wise, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q1 5:29XP
Jason Sanders
Points+1
Yard line
NE 15
Score
7-0
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
NENew England Patriots
Q2 10:21FG
Nick Folk
Points+3
Yard line
MIA 9
Score
7-3
(10:21) 6-N.Folk 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
NENew England Patriots
Q2 2:35TD
Nelson Agholor
Points+6
Yard line
MIA 7
Score
7-9
(2:35) 10-M.Jones pass short left to 15-N.Agholor for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-E.Roberts].
NENew England Patriots
Q2 2:30XP
Nick Folk
Points+1
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
7-10
6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q2 0:03FG
Jason Sanders
Points+3
Yard line
NE 30
Score
10-10
(:03) 7-J.Sanders 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q3 10:58TD
Jaylen Waddle
Points+6
Yard line
NE 3
Score
16-10
(10:58) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short left to 17-J.Waddle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q3 10:51XP
Jason Sanders
Points+1
Yard line
NE 15
Score
17-10
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
NENew England Patriots
Q3 2:54FG
Nick Folk
Points+3
Yard line
MIA 24
Score
17-13
(2:54) 6-N.Folk 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
NENew England Patriots
Q4 10:39FG
Nick Folk
Points+3
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
17-16
(10:39) 6-N.Folk 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Marcus Jones · New England Patriots · Passing · +6.71 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
2DeVante Parker · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +5.30 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
3Nelson Agholor · New England Patriots · Receiving · +5.22 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
4Hunter Henry · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.61 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
5Jaylen Waddle · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.68 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
6Jordan White · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.62 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
7Jakobi Meyers · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.55 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
8Jonnu Smith · New England Patriots · Receiving · +1.32 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Marcus Jones — NE · Passing

Marcus Jones posted the highest total EPA (+6.71) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New England Patriots. Across 44 counted snaps, they averaged +0.15 EPA per play.

Marcus Jones's top snap (-4.88 EPA): (3:40) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 38-R.Stevenson to NE 48 for 9 yards (21-E.Rowe). FUMBLES (21-E.Rowe), RECOVERED by MIA-92-Z.Sieler at NE 48. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, and the play was Upheld.

Biggest single play (-4.99 EPA): Demone Harris — (3:35) 37-D.Harris right tackle to MIA 9 for 2 yards (25-X.Howard, 55-J.Baker). FUMBLES (25-X.Howard), RECOVERED by MIA-25-X.Howard at MIA 9. NE 37-Harris 4th career 100-yard game.

Quarterback report card

Marcus Jones led all passers in efficiency for New England Patriots, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Marcus Jones (New England Patriots) · 44 dropbacks · 65.9% completion · +7.6% CPOE · +0.15 EPA/play · +6.71 total EPA
Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) · 30 dropbacks · 53.3% completion · -4.6% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.54 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Miami Dolphins	New England Patriots
Offensive EPA/play	+0.006	-0.003
Offensive success rate	42.6%	47.7%
Pass EPA/play	+0.018	+0.152
Rush EPA/play	-0.009	-0.195
Defensive EPA/play	+0.003	-0.006
Defensive success rate	52.3%	57.4%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Miami Dolphins +0.01, New England Patriots -0.00) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Miami Dolphins: +0.01 EPA/play (51st percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
New England Patriots: -0.00 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)

Miami Dolphins: 9 drives, +0.42 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
New England Patriots: 8 drives, -0.27 total EPA, 4 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Miami Dolphins — Tua Tagovailoa (Q1 5:35)
New England Patriots — Nelson Agholor (Marcus Jones pass) (Q2 2:35)
Miami Dolphins — Jaylen Waddle (Tua Tagovailoa pass) (Q3 10:58)

Field goals

New England Patriots — Nick Folk (Q2 10:21)
Miami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q2 0:03)
New England Patriots — Nick Folk (Q3 2:54)
New England Patriots — Nick Folk (Q4 10:39)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 3 (Q1 5:35); Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q1 5:29) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 10–3. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the MIA 9 (Q2 10:21) — (10:21) 6-N.Folk 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIA 7 (Q2 2:35) — (2:35) 10-M.Jones pass short left to 15-N.Agholor for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-E.Roberts].; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 2:30) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the NE 30 (Q2 0:03) — (:03) 7-J.Sanders 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

The third quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–3. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 3 (Q3 10:58) — (10:58) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short left to 17-J.Waddle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q3 10:51) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the MIA 24 (Q3 2:54) — (2:54) 6-N.Folk 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey..

The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 3–0. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the MIA 15 (Q4 10:39) — (10:39) 6-N.Folk 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

New England Patriots (Q4 3:35) — (3:35) 37-D.Harris right tackle to MIA 9 for 2 yards (25-X.Howard, 55-J.Baker). FUMBLES (25-X.Howard), RECOVERED by MIA-25-X.Howard at MIA 9. NE 37-Harris 4th career 100-yard game. [WPA -35.6% · EPA -4.99]
Miami Dolphins (Q4 8:17) — (8:17) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right intended for 2-A.Wilson INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Jones [9-M.Judon] at 50. 31-J.Jones to 50 for no gain (88-M.Gesicki). [WPA -13.1% · EPA -3.60]
Miami Dolphins (Q4 2:24) — (2:24) MIA 14-Brissett now at QB. 14-J.Brissett up the middle to MIA 31 for 2 yards (8-J.Bentley, 92-D.Godchaux). [WPA +11.1% · EPA -0.38]
New England Patriots (Q1 3:40) — (3:40) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 38-R.Stevenson to NE 48 for 9 yards (21-E.Rowe). FUMBLES (21-E.Rowe), RECOVERED by MIA-92-Z.Sieler at NE 48. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, and t [WPA -10.8% · EPA -4.88]
Miami Dolphins (Q3 14:17) — (14:17) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep right to 11-D.Parker pushed ob at NE 43 for 30 yards (27-J.Jackson). [WPA +10.1% · EPA +3.33]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

New England Patriots (Q4 3:35) — (3:35) 37-D.Harris right tackle to MIA 9 for 2 yards (25-X.Howard, 55-J.Baker). FUMBLES (25-X.Howard), RECOVERED by MIA-25-X.Howard at MIA 9. NE 37-Harris 4th career 100-yard game. [WPA -35.6% · EPA -4.99]
New England Patriots (Q1 3:40) — (3:40) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 38-R.Stevenson to NE 48 for 9 yards (21-E.Rowe). FUMBLES (21-E.Rowe), RECOVERED by MIA-92-Z.Sieler at NE 48. The Replay Official reviewed the fumble ruling, and t [WPA -10.8% · EPA -4.88]
Miami Dolphins (Q4 8:17) — (8:17) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right intended for 2-A.Wilson INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Jones [9-M.Judon] at 50. 31-J.Jones to 50 for no gain (88-M.Gesicki). [WPA -13.1% · EPA -3.60]
Miami Dolphins (Q3 14:17) — (14:17) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep right to 11-D.Parker pushed ob at NE 43 for 30 yards (27-J.Jackson). [WPA +10.1% · EPA +3.33]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 5:35 · NE 3 · Score 6-0
(5:35) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NE-91-D.Wise, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 5:29 · NE 15 · Score 7-0
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 10:21 · MIA 9 · Score 7-3
(10:21) 6-N.Folk 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 2:35 · MIA 7 · Score 7-9
(2:35) 10-M.Jones pass short left to 15-N.Agholor for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-E.Roberts].
New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 2:30 · MIA 15 · Score 7-10
6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 0:03 · NE 30 · Score 10-10
(:03) 7-J.Sanders 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q3 10:58 · NE 3 · Score 16-10
(10:58) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short left to 17-J.Waddle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q3 10:51 · NE 15 · Score 17-10
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 2:54 · MIA 24 · Score 17-13
(2:54) 6-N.Folk 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.
New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q4 10:39 · MIA 15 · Score 17-16
(10:39) 6-N.Folk 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-7-J.Bailey.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

Miami Dolphins earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
Marcus Jones (New England Patriots) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Marcus Jones (NE) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots on 2021-09-12?

The Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 17-16 in Week 1, 2021.

What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots?

Q1: Miami Dolphins 7, New England Patriots 0; Q2: Miami Dolphins 3, New England Patriots 10; Q3: Miami Dolphins 7, New England Patriots 3; Q4: Miami Dolphins 0, New England Patriots 3; Final: Miami Dolphins 17, New England Patriots 16.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots?

Miami Dolphins touchdown — T. Tagovailoa (Q1 5:35) New England Patriots touchdown — N. Agholor (M. Jones pass) (Q2 2:35) Miami Dolphins touchdown — J. Waddle (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q3 10:58) New England Patriots field goal — N. Folk (Q2 10:21, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q2 0:03, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — N. Folk (Q3 2:54, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — N. Folk (Q4 10:39, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots?

Marcus Jones (New England Patriots), 65.9% completion, +7.6% CPOE, +0.15 EPA per dropback, +6.71 total passing EPA. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), 53.3% completion, -4.6% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.54 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots?

Marcus Jones (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.71 total EPA on Passing plays. across 44 snaps. Their top snap (-4.88 EPA): (3:40) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 38-R.Stevenson to NE 48 for 9 yards (21-E.Rowe). FUMBLES (21-E.Rowe), RECOVERED by MIA-92-Z.Sieler at NE 48. The Replay Official reviewed the .

Was Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots a close game?

Yes — the margin was 1 points. Miami Dolphins won 17-16 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Miami Dolphins

Now 1-0 W

New England Patriots

Now 0-1 L

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots: 2021 Week 1 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

Top fantasy performers · Patriots

Quick answer

Game summary