Mike Vrabel’s first win as head coach of the Patriots almost didn’t happen because of shoddy special teams tackling.

Miami’s Malik Washington broke tackle attempts from Brenden Schooler and Charles Woods before racing past punter Bryce Baringer for a 74-yard touchdown late in the game.

But New England’s Antonio Gibson quickly erased Miami’s slim lead with a 90-yard kick return touchdown of his own. The Patriots took a special teams gut punch and came back with a haymaker.

“We unfortunately just gave up the punt return, but then [we] answered, Gibby answered and that unit answered,” Vrabel said “Felt like we were willing to get into a street fight, had a little lull, and then we didn’t pack it up and quit.”

The Patriots’ running backs found redemption after being shut down by Las Ve

See Full Page