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NFL · Week 2 · September 17, 2023 · 12 min read

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots: 2023 Week 2 Recap

Dolphins defeat Patriots 24–17 in Week 2

Tua Tagovailoa led Fantasy Impact as Dolphins prevailed in a 24–17 Week 2 finish.

Miami Dolphins 24 2–0 Winner
Final 24–17
New England Patriots 17 0–2
Winner
Miami Dolphins
Final score
24–17
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 17–3 New England Patriots
Top passer
Marcus Jones
FantasyHQ MVP
Tua Tagovailoa
Game date
September 17, 2023

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

  • Tua Tagovailoa
    Tua Tagovailoa 21/33 · 248 YDS · 1 TD +12.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Jaylen Waddle
    Jaylen Waddle 4 REC · 86 YDS +6.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Raheem Mostert
    Raheem Mostert 18 CAR · 121 YDS · 2 TD +5.4 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Patriots

  • Hunter Henry
    Hunter Henry 6 REC · 52 YDS · 1 TD +5.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Marcus Jones
    Marcus Jones 3 CAR · 8 YDS +1.8 Fantasy Impact
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster
    JuJu Smith-Schuster 5 REC · 28 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact
View Dolphins vs Patriots box score View all 2023 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Miami Dolphins
Final score
Miami Dolphins 24–17 New England Patriots
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 17–3 New England Patriots at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Tua Tagovailoa
Top passer
Marcus Jones
Biggest EPA play
(3:39) 7-J.Sanders 49 yard field goal is BLOCKED (41-B.Schooler), Center-44-B.Ferguson, Ho…
Game date
2023-09-17

Game summary

The Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 24–17 on 2023-09-17. Tua Tagovailoa posted a game-high +12.27 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q4——T
Miami Dolphins31470024
New England Patriots03140017

Scoring Map

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

MIAMiami Dolphins
NENew England Patriots

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

12 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q1 3:04FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NE 4
    Score
    3-0

    (3:04) 7-J.Sanders 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  2. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 9:43TD
    Raheem Mostert

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NE 8
    Score
    9-0

    (9:43) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 9:39XP
    Jason Sanders

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NE 15
    Score
    10-0

    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  4. NENew England Patriots
    Q2 1:53FG
    Chad Ryland

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 31
    Score
    10-3

    (1:53) 37-C.Ryland 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.

  5. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 0:15TD
    Trysten Hill

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NE 2
    Score
    16-3

    (:15) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 10-T.Hill for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 0:11XP
    Jason Sanders

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NE 15
    Score
    17-3

    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  7. NENew England Patriots
    Q4 11:27TD
    Hunter Henry

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 6
    Score
    17-9

    (11:27) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 85-H.Henry for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. NENew England Patriots
    Q4 11:21XP
    Chad Ryland

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    17-10

    37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.

  9. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q4 8:51TD
    Raheem Mostert

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NE 43
    Score
    23-10

    (8:51) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left guard for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q4 8:45XP
    Jason Sanders

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NE 15
    Score
    24-10

    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  11. NENew England Patriots
    Q4 5:29TD
    Rhamondre Stevenson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 2
    Score
    24-16

    (5:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 38-R.Stevenson right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. NENew England Patriots
    Q4 5:25XP
    Chad Ryland

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    24-17

    37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Tua TagovailoaTua Tagovailoa · Miami Dolphins · Passing · +12.27 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
  2. 2Jaylen WaddleJaylen Waddle · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +6.03 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.00 EPA/play
  3. 3Raheem MostertRaheem Mostert · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +5.44 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
  4. 4Hunter HenryHunter Henry · New England Patriots · Receiving · +4.95 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
  5. 5Braxton BerriosBraxton Berrios · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.63 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
  6. 6River CracraftRiver Cracraft · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +1.94 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
  7. 7Salvon AhmedSalvon Ahmed · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +1.83 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
  8. 8Marcus JonesMarcus Jones · New England Patriots · Rushing · +1.83 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

Tua Tagovailoa

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Tua Tagovailoa — MIA · Passing

Tua Tagovailoa posted the highest total EPA (+12.27) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Miami Dolphins. Across 33 counted snaps, they averaged +0.37 EPA per play.

Tua Tagovailoa's top snap (+2.96 EPA): (11:15) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 17-J.Waddle to NE 15 for 28 yards (25-Ma.Jones). NE-25-Ma.Jones was injured during the play.

Biggest single play (-4.49 EPA): Jason Sanders — (3:39) 7-J.Sanders 49 yard field goal is BLOCKED (41-B.Schooler), Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey, RECOVERED by NE-23-K.Dugger at NE 47. 23-K.Dugger to MIA 49 for 4 yards (94-C.Wilkins).

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 JonesMarcus Jones (New England Patriots) · 50 dropbacks · 62.0% completion · +7.4% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -4.13 total EPA
  • Tua TagovailoaTua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) · 33 dropbacks · 63.6% completion · +8.0% CPOE · +0.37 EPA/play · +12.27 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMiami DolphinsNew England Patriots
Offensive EPA/play+0.067-0.035
Offensive success rate53.2%51.7%
Pass EPA/play+0.372-0.083
Rush EPA/play-0.019-0.056
Defensive EPA/play+0.035-0.067
Defensive success rate48.3%46.8%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Miami Dolphins generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.04), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Miami Dolphins: +0.07 EPA/play (71st percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • New England Patriots: -0.04 EPA/play (48th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Miami Dolphins: 11 drives, +5.32 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • New England Patriots: 11 drives, -3.04 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Raheem MostertMiami Dolphins — Raheem Mostert (Q2 9:43)
  • Trysten HillMiami Dolphins — Trysten Hill (Tua Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 0:15)
  • Hunter HenryNew England Patriots — Hunter Henry (Marcus Jones pass) (Q4 11:27)
  • Raheem MostertMiami Dolphins — Raheem Mostert (Q4 8:51)
  • Rhamondre StevensonNew England Patriots — Rhamondre Stevenson (Q4 5:29)

Field goals

  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q1 3:04)
  • Chad RylandNew England Patriots — Chad Ryland (Q2 1:53)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 3–0. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the NE 4 (Q1 3:04) — (3:04) 7-J.Sanders 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey..

The second quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 14–3. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 8 (Q2 9:43) — (9:43) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 9:39) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the MIA 31 (Q2 1:53) — (1:53) 37-C.Ryland 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 2 (Q2 0:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 10-T.Hill for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 0:11) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey..

The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 14–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIA 6 (Q4 11:27) — (11:27) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 85-H.Henry for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 11:21) — 37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 43 (Q4 8:51) — (8:51) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left guard for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q4 8:45) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIA 2 (Q4 5:29) — (5:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 38-R.Stevenson right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 5:25) — 37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • New England Patriots (Q3 0:57) — (:57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass deep right intended for 1-D.Parker INTERCEPTED by 25-X.Howard at MIA 3. 25-X.Howard pushed ob at MIA 3 for no gain (1-D.Parker). [WPA -9.5% · EPA -4.42]
  • New England Patriots (Q1 0:10) — (:10) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short middle to 81-D.Douglas to MIA 29 for 10 yards (2-B.Chubb). FUMBLES (2-B.Chubb), RECOVERED by MIA-21-D.Elliott at MIA 27. [WPA -9.3% · EPA -3.07]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 2:19) — (2:19) 7-J.Sanders 55 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. [WPA -8.3% · EPA -2.97]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 10:04) — (10:04) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left intended for 10-T.Hill INTERCEPTED by 6-C.Gonzalez [9-M.Judon] at NE 14. 6-C.Gonzalez to NE 14 for no gain (10-T.Hill). [WPA -8.1% · EPA -2.62]
  • New England Patriots (Q4 1:00) — (1:00) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short left to 88-M.Gesicki to MIA 34 for -1 yards [2-B.Chubb]. Lateral to 69-C.Strange to MIA 29 for 5 yards (8-J.Holland; 43-A.Van Ginkel). The Replay Official review [WPA -7.2% · EPA -1.98]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 3:39) — (3:39) 7-J.Sanders 49 yard field goal is BLOCKED (41-B.Schooler), Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey, RECOVERED by NE-23-K.Dugger at NE 47. 23-K.Dugger to MIA 49 for 4 yards (94-C.Wilkins). [WPA -4.1% · EPA -4.49]
  • New England Patriots (Q3 0:57) — (:57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass deep right intended for 1-D.Parker INTERCEPTED by 25-X.Howard at MIA 3. 25-X.Howard pushed ob at MIA 3 for no gain (1-D.Parker). [WPA -9.5% · EPA -4.42]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 8:51) — (8:51) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left guard for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +5.1% · EPA +3.98]
  • New England Patriots (Q4 12:24) — (12:24) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones scrambles right end ran ob at MIA 17 for 18 yards (8-J.Holland). PENALTY on MIA-25-X.Howard, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at MIA 17. [WPA +5.3% · EPA +3.23]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 3:04 · NE 4 · Score 3-0
    (3:04) 7-J.Sanders 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  2. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 9:43 · NE 8 · Score 9-0
    (9:43) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left end for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 9:39 · NE 15 · Score 10-0
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  4. New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 1:53 · MIA 31 · Score 10-3
    (1:53) 37-C.Ryland 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
  5. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 0:15 · NE 2 · Score 16-3
    (:15) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 10-T.Hill for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 0:11 · NE 15 · Score 17-3
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  7. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 11:27 · MIA 6 · Score 17-9
    (11:27) (Shotgun) 10-M.Jones pass short right to 85-H.Henry for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 11:21 · MIA 15 · Score 17-10
    37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
  9. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 8:51 · NE 43 · Score 23-10
    (8:51) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left guard for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 8:45 · NE 15 · Score 24-10
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  11. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 5:29 · MIA 2 · Score 24-16
    (5:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 38-R.Stevenson right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 5:25 · MIA 15 · Score 24-17
    37-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-17-B.Baringer.

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.
  • Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) 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 2023-09-17?

The Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 24-17 in Week 2, 2023.

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

Q1: Miami Dolphins 3, New England Patriots 0; Q2: Miami Dolphins 14, New England Patriots 3; Q4: Miami Dolphins 7, New England Patriots 14; Final: Miami Dolphins 24, New England Patriots 17.

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

Miami Dolphins touchdown — R. Mostert (Q2 9:43) Miami Dolphins touchdown — T. Hill (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 0:15) New England Patriots touchdown — H. Henry (M. Jones pass) (Q4 11:27) Miami Dolphins touchdown — R. Mostert (Q4 8:51) New England Patriots touchdown — R. Stevenson (Q4 5:29) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q1 3:04, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — C. Ryland (Q2 1:53, 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), 62.0% completion, +7.4% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -4.13 total passing EPA. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), 63.6% completion, +8.0% CPOE, +0.37 EPA per dropback, +12.27 total passing EPA.

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

Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.27 total EPA on Passing plays. across 33 snaps. Their top snap (+2.96 EPA): (11:15) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 17-J.Waddle to NE 15 for 28 yards (25-Ma.Jones). NE-25-Ma.Jones was injured during the play..

Was Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. Miami Dolphins won 24-17 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Miami Dolphins

Entered 1-0 Now 2-0 W

New England Patriots

Entered 0-1 Now 0-2 L

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