It was over when...
Tom Brady completed the first of his three touchdown passes -- an 11-yarder to WR Randy Moss -- on the Patriots' opening drive. The Dolphins never threatened, scoring their only touchdown with 1:19 remaining in the third quarter.

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Patriots RB Laurence Maroney breaks free for a 59-yard TD run in the second quarter.

Game ball
With Brady and Moss pursuing passing and scoring records, The Patriots called only 21 running plays. Nevertheless, Laurence Maroney made the most of his 14 carries, recording a career-high 156 yards and one touchdown.

Key stat
The Patriots were 7 of 13 on third downs, while the Dolphins were 4 of 16.

Noteworthy
After missing the Patriots' first 14 games with a knee injury, WR Troy Brown was activated, returning six punts for a total of 55 yards. ... The Patriots became the first team to go 15-0, and just the fifth team to win 15 games in one season, joining the '04 Steelers, '98 Vikings, '85 Bears, and '84 49ers. ... With four touchdowns, the Patriots now have 71, passing the 1984 Dolphins' record of 70 for the most all-time in one season. ... With three touchdown passes, Brady now has 48 on the season, tying Dan Marino for second on the all-time single-season touchdown list. ... With five receptions, Patriots WR Wes Welker has 101 receptions, tying Troy Brown for the team's single-season record. ... Patriots backup QB Matt Gutierrez replaced Brady at the two-minute warning.