Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (right) completed 24 of 40 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown. His counterpart, Ryan Tannehill, hit 13 of 29 attempts for 186 yards.
GAME 12: PATRIOTS 23, DOLPHINS 16
Patriots defensive end Trevor Scott, playing in place of suspended Jermaine Cunningham, celebrated after sacking Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Patriots' defense did its part in a victory over the Dolphins that gave the Patriots the AFC East title.
Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker had 12 receptions for 103 yards and passed the 1,000-yard mark for the season.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (right) completed 24 of 40 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown. His counterpart, Ryan Tannehill, hit 13 of 29 attempts for 186 yards.
Stephen Gostkowski kicked three field goals to help the Patriots defeat the Dolphins, 23-16, and clinch the AFC East title on Sunday in Miami.
At the end of a 31-yard pass play, Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was grabbed by the facemask by Miami's Chris Clemons. A penalty on Clemons gave the Patriots the ball at the 4, although they settled for a field goal that gave them a 20-10 lead.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill helped the Dolphins cut the Patriots' lead to 17-10 just before halftime when he leaped into the end zone to finish a 2-yard run.
Wes Welker was all alone as he walked into the end zone on a 7-yard touchdown pass play in the second quarter touchdown. The play gave the Patriots a 14-3 lead.
Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork recovered a fumble by Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first half. The Patriots capitalized on the turnover when they kicked a field goal on the ensuing possession.
Running back Stevan Ridley gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when he scored on a 2-yard run to cap New England's first possession, which started at the Miami 12.
Dolphins punter Brandon Fields was unable to handle a low snap in the first quarter and he was tackled at the Dolphins' 12 yard line. The Patriots scored on the ensuing possession.
Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas (33) fumbled as he was tackled by Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo in the first half. Thomas recovered the ball himself.
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill fumbled as he was hit by Patriots defensive end Trevor Scott in the first half.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady handed off to running back Danny Woodhead in the first half.
Running backs Stevan Ridley (left) and Danny Woodhead got pumped as they took the field for pregame warmups. The Patriots visited the Dolphins, and a win would give the Patriots the AFC Eastb title.
Patriots defensive end Jake Bequette was wearing shorts with the number of teammate Niko Koutouvides (90, not pictured) prior to the game in south Florida.
Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (not pictured) drilled one into the net behind the field goal posts during the warmup session.
Just after the stands opened up for fans, Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was on the field before the game getting loose.
Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) ran on the field during the warmup period.
Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin (left) spoke with former coach Don Shula before the game in Miami.
