New England made too many mistakes in a season-opening loss to Miami.

Penalties and fumbles proved costly for the Patriots, preventing QB Mac Jones from getting a win in his first NFL game.

Damien Harris loses a fumble at the Miami 11 with 3:18 left, and New England falls in rookie quarterback Mac Jones’ debut.

Patriots rookie Mac Jones backed up Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when the pair were at Alabama.

Bill Belichick has turned the reins over to a rookie quarterback, whose work ethic is impressive.

In a YouTube video, Cam Newton also said some thought he would be a ‘distraction’ as a backup QB, and said his release ‘had nothing to do with no vaccination.’

All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, on the PUP list, will miss at least six weeks, while Jalen Mills is limited Thursday with an apparent ankle injury.

Even in New England’s dominant seasons Miami has been a thorn in Bill Belichick’s side, and Brian Flores coaching the Dolphins only adds to a budding rivalry.

Cunningham, who was an all-American at Southern California, made the Pro Bowl with the Patriots in 1978.

Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, who missed most of preseason with a shoulder injury, is expected to be available against the Dolphins,