FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI) – The Patriots held off a late push by the Miami Dolphins to secure a 31-24 victory in their home opener.
Safety Duron Harmon intercepted a Ryan Tannehill pass in the end zone in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter to preserve the victory, after two fourth-quarter touchdowns by the Fins.
Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo left the game halfway through the second quarter with an apparent shoulder injury after a strong start; Garoppolo was 18 of 27 for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie Jacoby Brissett came in to finish, going 6 for 9 for 92 yards.
LeGarrette Blount picked up one rushing touchdown for the Pats; Danny Amendola reeled in two touchdown passes and Martellus Bennett added the other.
Tannehill was 32 of 42 for 389 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
It will be a short week for the Patriots as they will host the Texans Thursday night at 8:25.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski did not play Sunday.
