Jimmy Garoppolo Injured, Patriots Hold On: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Everything went according to plan for nearly all of the first half, but it was what happened with 4:15 left to play in the half that left people talking.

Spurred by a veteran-like performance by Jimmy Garoppolo and an unforeseen adjustment with Jacoby Brisette after Garoppolo was injured, the Patriots hung on to beat the Dolphins, 31-24.

Garoppolo, red hot to start the game, was hit after a pass and left with a shoulder injury. Boston Herald reporter Jeff Howe said Garropolo will miss this Thursday's game against Houston, and he could injured for up to six weeks.

Prior to the hit, Garoppolo looked like a seasoned veteran, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns.

In Garropolo's place was Brissett, a third-string quarterback, who led a conservative run-based offense.

Wide receiver Danny Amendola caught two touchdowns. The receiver's first score came on the game's opening drive on a pass down the middle past two defenders in the end zone.

His second touchdown came early in the second quarter on a third and 4 from the Miami 10-yard-line, extending the lead to 21-0

Tight end Martellus Bennett picked up his first touchdown in a Patriots uniform, pulling in a 20-yard pass.

Following a pair of field goals by both teams and a LeGarrette blount touchdown, the Dolphins cut the lead to 21 midway through the third quarter on a 24-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill to Kenny Stills.

The Patriots continued to keep the ball on the ground, which allowed Blount to show off his hurdling talents.

Miami picked up two more touchdowns and following a missed Stephen Gostkowski field goal, the Dolphins had one last chance to tie the game. Duron Harmon, however, made sure that wouldn't happen.

The Patriots have a short week and are back in action Thursday against the Houston Texans.