Patriots vs. Dolphins final score: Cam Newton rushes for two scores in New England debut

Cam Newton flashed his legs plenty in the Patriots Week 1 win

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Back in Week 17 last year, Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to connect with tight end Mike Gesicki for a game-winning touchdown to spurn the Patriots chances of earning a first-round bye. As the two clubs met to open up the 2020 season at Gillette Stadium Sunday the stage was set for Fitz-magic to sprinkle hope of a potential comeback. Those thoughts were quickly dashed, however, after the veteran overthrew Gesicki this time around and the ball landed into the arms of New England's J.C. Jackson. That put the nail in the coffin for the Dolphins as the Patriots moved to 1-0 on the young season, pulling out the 21-11 win. 

This game had its oddities for a number of reasons. First and most apparent, was the lack of fans in attendance. The other, however, came under center. Not only was Tom Brady not there, but the guy replacing the six-time Super Bowl champion was flashing ability that position hasn't seen in these parts for quite some time. Cam Newton's Patriots debut was highlighted by the quarterback's rushing ability. En route to the win, Newton took command with his legs, rushing for two scores on top of his team-high 75 yards on the ground. While he wasn't as prolific with his arm in this win, Newton did complete 15 of his 19 throws for 155 yards. 

While Jackson's interception off Fitzpatrick was they key clincher to the victory, the true swing came in the form of a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive by the Patriots in the fourth quarter that lasted 5:08 and kept Miami a breathable distance away. 

From here, the Patriots will head to Seattle to face the Seahawks in Week 2 while the Dolphins will head back to Miami and await their Week 2 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. 

To see how this game went down in real-time, be sure to check out the live blog below. 

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:50 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Things seemed to get a bit testy towards the end of the game, but both clubs have since departed to the locker room. Patriots move to 1-0 on the year after beating the Dolphins, 21-11. Thanks so much for tuning in folks!

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:43 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Mike Gesicki was looking for a flag there, but Fitzpatrick overthrew it and was picked off by J.C. Jackson. This game is all but over now.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:40 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

For the record, the line on this game at William Hill Sportsbook was New England -7. Dolphins could cover if they score here and hold.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:39 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Patriots defense faltering a bit on this drive. Gilmore was called for a penalty and Fitzpatrick has been able to get Miami inside the red zone as the game hits the two-minute warning.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:36 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Really nice pursuit there by Derek Rivers to get that sack on Ryan Fitzpatrick. Rivers has had a rough go of it in the NFL in his early career, but is finally healthy. Could be another youngster to emerge for the Patriots.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:30 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Sony Michel runs it up the gut and the Patriots have their third rushing touchdown of the opener. While Newton has found success on the ground, it has been a mediocre day for Michlel, who is averaging 3.7 yards per carry. If that continues, Damien Harris should rival for the starting job once he's off IR.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:26 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Cam Newton keeps it and nearly gets his third rushing touchdown of the day. Patriots pick up the first down and are knocking on the door of the end zone now. Huge conversion.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:24 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Patriots are going for it and have a few extra linemen on the field. Going to try and pound it in here.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:23 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

If this gets overturned, I think the Patriots offense would stay out there on fourth down. Show some aggressiveness and try to hammer it in.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:22 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Looks like Brian Flores is challenging the spot here.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:15 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

That N'Keal Harry touchdown ended up being a hung swing. Patriots should have been up 21-3 and now find themselves locked into a 14-11 contest with 10:31 to go.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:11 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Solid stand by New England, but Miami eventually finds paydirt as Jordan Howard rushes for the touchdown. Dolphins go for two and Ryan Fitzpatrick does his best Cam Newton impression and rushes into the end zone. Dolphins now down by just a field goal.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:10 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Chase Winovich is having himself a day. Continues to blow up plays from the edge.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:06 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Gesicki is able to haul in the catch over Adrian Phillips. Would probably have Joejuan Williams shadow him at this point. Had success earlier in this one against the big tight end.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:06 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Bad PI call for Stephon Gilmore. Penalty brings Miami all the way down to the Patriots 35.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 2:58 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

N'Keal Harry with the worst play imaginable. Stripped at the 1-yard line and fumbled the ball into the end zone for a touchback. Should have been an easy touchdown.