The New England Patriots dropped a 12-9 decision to the Miami Dolphins in overtime at Pro Player Stadium.
The game - which featured little scoring, a plethora of turnovers and punts - ended with a 43-yard field goal by Orlindo Mare.
The Patriots (4-3) took a 9-6 lead with 2:13 left in the fourth quarter only to see the Dolphins come back and tie the game, 9-9. Mare's 25-yard field goal capped a 9-play, 52-yard drive.
Miami got on the board first with Mare's 48-yard field goal early in the second quarter, 3-0.
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New England finally scored on the Dolphins' stingy defense thanks to Adam Vinatieri's 41-yard field goal in the third quarter. The field goal marked the first time a team has scored on the Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium in 12 quarters.
The Patriots took a 6-3 lead in the fourth quarter thanks again to Vinatieri, who hit a 30-yard field goal. The two key plays on the drive; a 36-yard reception by WR Shawn Jefferson on 3rd-and-11 from New England's 15 and a pass interference charged to Dolphins CB Terrell Buckley on Jefferson. The Buckley penalty gave the Patriots a first down at the Dolphins' 11.
Other Notables: The following players were listed as inactive or did not play for New England:QB 16 Scott Zolak, OLB 51 Bernard Russ, OL 60 Scott Rehberg, G 61 Damon Denson, OT 66 Ed Ellis, WR 82 Vincent Brisby, DE 94 Greg Spires. WR 88 Terry Glenn, DE 55 Willie McGinest, WR 80 Troy Brown, OL 67 Jason Andersen.
Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino was intercepted three times in the game by three-different players; CB Larry Whigham, S Willie Clay and CB Ty Law. Law has five interceptions on the season.
Rookie running back Robert Edwards had his six-game touchdown streak snapped.
The Patriots introduced two players at wide receiver; rookie Tony Simmons and first-year player Anthony Ladd. Simmons' 47-yard catch in the fourth quarter was the first reception of his career.
Adam Vinatieri's 41-yard field goal in the third quarter marked the first time a team has scored on the Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium in 12 quarters.
Drew Bledsoe eclipsed the 20,000 yard mark for his career. He is the second quickest to reach the mark in NFL history. He also set a record for most attempts in the first-six season of a career.
The Dolphins dominated the first half in time of possession with 20:03 to the Patriots 9:57
