New England Patriots tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (47) grabs a touchdown pass as Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) defends during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
December 15, 2013 - 1:16 PM
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Tom Brady's latest comeback bid came up short, and the Miami Dolphins helped their playoff chances with a 24-20 breakthrough victory Sunday over the AFC East-leading New England Patriots.
A fourth-down pass from Brady was intercepted by reserve safety Michael Thomas in the end zone with 2 seconds left, and Miami held on to win.
The Patriots had mounted second-half rallies to win their past three games, and Brady moved them from their own 20 with 1:15 remaining to the Miami 14. But he threw three consecutive incompletions before Thomas sealed the third consecutive victory for the Dolphins (8-6), who improved to 5-2 since tackle Jonathan Martin left the team in a bullying scandal.
Miami snapped a streak of seven consecutive losses against the Patriots (10-4).
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News from © The Associated Press, 2013