WATCH: Patriots Rallying Behind Mac Jones TD Pass

The New England Patriots have shown signs of life during their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately for the Pats, it has been a game of one step forward, two steps back.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots may be down, but they attempted to climb their way back into their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. 

However, New England's newfound momentum would not last long. 

After failing to capitalize on a brilliant block on a Jason Sanders field goal attempt, the Pats found the endzone for the first time on the night. Quarterback Mac Jones 58 yards on just eight plays, highlighted by a 13-yard completion to tight end Hunter Henry and a 12-yard catch by receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Jones capped the drive with a six-yard touchdown strike to Henry. New England had cut Miami's lead to 17-10. 

The first NE TD of the night is @Hunter_Henry84's#MIAvsNE | #ForeverNE

📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/13gFk5t2xQ

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2023

The tide appeared to be turning in New England's favor when rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez earned his first interception on a pass attempt from Dolphins' quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Unfortunately, New England would give the ball back to Miami after a quick three-and-out. Miami took advantage of the Pats' futility by scoring on a 43-yard touchdown run from lead back Raheem Mostert. 

The Patriots and Dolphins are facing off for the first of two meetings this season. The second game of the annual series will be played at Miami on Oct. 29. The two teams split the series in 2022, with the Patriots losing on opening day at Miami, 20-7, on Sept. 11 and then getting revenge with a 23-21 win at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 1.

New England dropped its season-opener to the Philadelphia Eagles 25-20 in Foxboro. Conversely, Miami (1-0) parlayed an explosive offensive performance into a 36-34 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

As was expected cornerback Jonathan Jones missed Sunday night's game with an ankle injury, while offensive linemen Trent Brown and Sidy Sow remain in concussion protocol. Starting guards Michael Onwenu and Cole Strange made their respective season debuts, after missing the Pats Week 1 loss to the Eagles.