Pats’ returners too much for Fins

Associated Press

MIAMI

Patrick Chung blocked two kicks and returned an interception for a touchdown, and the New England Patriots scored twice on special teams to beat the hapless Miami Dolphins 41-14 on Monday night.

Tom Brady threw for only 153 yards, and Randy Moss was held without a catch for the first time since 2006, but the NFL’s highest-scoring team still put up its biggest point total yet.

The Patriots trailed 7-6 at halftime, but when Brandon Tate returned the second half kickoff 103 yards for a score, the deluge was on.

Chung blocked a punt to set up a touchdown, then blocked a field goal that Kyle Arrington returned 35 yards for a score.

Chung returned an interception 51 yards for New England’s final score.

The Patriots are tied with the New York Jets atop the AFC East at 3-1.

The Dolphins outgained New England 321-241 through the first 45 minutes, averaging 7.3 yards per play, but went into the final quarter facing a two-touchdown deficit.

Brady was just 3-5 in his previous visits to Miami, and he got help from a most unlikely source — linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who spent parts of the 2007 and 2008 seasons with the Dolphins.

Ninkovich had the first two interceptions of his career, both in the first half. New England got field goals from Stephen Gostkowski out of both, a 23-yarder and then a 30-yarder to end the first half, getting the Patriots within 7-6.

Henne threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Davone Bess on Miami’s second drive of the game.