The third quarter saw two New England Patriots touchdowns as they took a 28-17 lead over the Miami Dolphins.
Tom Brady was intercepted by the Dolphins’s Jared Odrick on the Patriots’ first drive of the second half. Miami took advantage and tied the game on the resulting drive, as quarterback Chris Henne hit up Brian Hartline for a ten yard touchdown pass. The draw was short lived, as Brady moved the Patriots down the field on the drive immediately following. A ten play, 69 yard drive resulted in a Brady short pass to Wes Welker to give the Patriots 21-14 lead.
The Dolphins scored a field goal on their next possession, bringing the score to 21-17. But Brady and receiver Deion Branch connected on two key plays to move the Patriots’ offense downfield. Brady connected with Aaron Hernandez for what seemed to be a 31 yard touchdown reception, but the call was overturned. Undeterred, Brady connected again with Hernandez for a 30 yard reception to bring them to the Dolphins’ one yard line and then tossed a short pass to Hernandez for the touchdown, giving the Patriots a 28-17 lead.