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Mike McDaniel’s crucial 4th-down call helps Dolphins topple Bill Belichick, Patriots

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Mike McDaniel showed no fear, even with Bill Belichick bearing down on the opposite sideline.

It led McDaniel to victory in his head coaching debut against arguably the greatest coach in NFL history.

The Miami Dolphins' offense was staring at fourth and 8 from the New England Patriots’ 42-yard line with a 10-0 lead and 24 seconds left before halftime. And McDaniel had just the play to liven up a lackluster season opener with some flair.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa dropped back with a clean pocket and found receiver Jaylen Waddle over the middle for a 42-yard touchdown to take a commanding lead at halftime, and fuel a 20-7 win over the Patriots on Sunday.