Patriots 23, Dolphins 16

Patriots defeat Dolphins to clinch AFC East title

New England, even with an offense that struggled at times, outmuscled Miami to claim its fourth straight division crown.

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Linebacker Jerod Mayo sacked Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill on a key fourth-quarter play that forced Miami to settle for a field goal.

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Matthew Slater, left, and Marquice Cole ran off the field with smiles after beating the Dolphins and earning the AFC East crown.

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Wes Welker scored a touchdown among his 10 catches in the first half for the Patriots.

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Ryan Tannehill jumped into the end zone to score the Dolphins' only touchdown of the first half just before halftime.

John Bazemore/AP

The Patriots capitalized on two Dolphins mistakes in the first half (a fumble and a botched punt) to build a lead.

John Bazemore/AP

Stevan Ridley ran in from 2 yards out with the first touchdown of the game for the Patriots.

John Bazemore/AP

Dolphins punter Brandon Fields couldn't handle this snap in the first quarter, a mistake that led to a Patriots touchdown.

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Tom Brady was sacked by Dolphins safety Reshad Jones in the fourth quarter.

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Defensive end Cameron Wake had a grip on Brady’s leg, but Brady was able to complete the pass to Welker in the first quarter.

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Defensive end Trevor Scott reacted after sacking Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

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Patriots running backs Stevan Ridley (left) and Danny Woodhead prepared to take the field for pre-game warmups.

Brady: ‘That was a great win’

Tom Brady said Patriots made plays when they had to against a tough Dolphins team, “so it was a great win.”

on basketball

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red sox notebook

The Red Sox are penciling in recent acquisition Jonny Gomes as their left fielder

Red Sox have big plans for Jonny Gomes

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Metro

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Berklee student Michal Skrzypek made more than 1,000 trips on a Hubway bicycle this year.

Hubway exceeds expectations as it closes for winter

The bike-sharing program registered roughly 50 percent more rides than planners hoped, and officials are now envisioning a year-round program in the future.