Patriots clinch AFC East Title as they defeat Dolphins 23-16

The Patriots will stroll through the rest of the season as they guaranteed the AFC East title after they defeated the Dolphins 23-16.

Stevan Ridley and the Patriots came out strong as they took an early 7-0 lead with a two-yard run in the first three minutes of the game.

Miami 's kicker Dan Carpenter kicked a 44-yard field goal at the end of the first quarter to close the gap to 7-3.

Tom Brady threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Wes Welker with 9:21 remaining in the second quarter to give the Patriots a 14-3 lead.


Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 43-yard field goal to run away with a 17-3 lead.

Miami, however, would not give in, quarterback Ryan Tannehill ran the ball in the endzone for a two-yard touchdown at the end of the second quarter.

The fourth quarter saw back and fourth field goals when Gostkowski kicked a 32-yard field goal, followed by Carpenter's 33-yarder.



The Patriots and Gostkowski would reply with another field goal, and Carpenter, with 31 seconds left in the game kicked a 42-yard field goal.

The Dolphins would then try for the onside kick, but Brandon Llyod recovered the ball.

Brady threw for 238 yards, recorded one touchdown pass, and one interception.

The Patriots are home to the Houston Texans next Monday night.