Dolphins quarterback A.J. Feeley capped the comeback with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Derrius Thompson with 1:23 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Dolphins (3-11) threw a wrench in the post-season plans of their AFC East Division rivals.
"We've been on the losing end of so many drives like that," Feeley said. "It feels good to come out on top."
The Patriots (12-2) are battling for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but now trail the Pittsburgh Steelers by a full game with two remaining.
Tom Brady was intercepted four times Monday. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Moreover, Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker over New England, having beaten the defending Super Bowl champions 34-20 in Week 8.
"It is a sweet win to beat the world champions," Dolphins interim head coach Jim Bates said.
New England appeared to have the game in hand, leading 28-17 lead with 3:59 left in the fourth quarter.
"That's a situation we're usually pretty good in," Patriots head coach coach Bill Belichick said. "We weren't tonight.
"I'm disappointed in that. I don't know how else to put it to you."
Feeley completed 22 of 35 pass attempts for 198 yards and, of course, the decisive TD for the Dolphins.
Running backs Travis Minor and Sammy Morris rushed for 27 yards and a TD apiece.
Placekicker Olindo Mare booted a 30-yard field goal for Miami's other points.
"I keep asking everybody, 'Is it real?' " said Dolphins linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, a former CFL all-star with the British Columbia Lions who also played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts.
"It's a big-time win. I cannot believe it."
Miami's defence intercepted Patriots pivot Tom Brady four times, tying his career worst, to help offset the 121 rushing yards gained by Corey Dillon on 21 carries.
Dillon rushed for a three-yard major and caught a TD pass in a losing cause, as did fellow running back Kevin Faulk and tight end Daniel Graham.
Brady finished 18 of 29 for 171 yards plus was sacked by Jason Taylor and David Bowens.
"We really didn't play that well defensively," Taylor said. "But we made enough plays to win the ball game, that's all that matters."
with files from Sports Network
