Updated Sept. 12, 2011 @ 11:13 p.m. ET

Patriots WR Wes Welker tied an NFL record for the longest pass reception in NFL history with a 99-yard touchdown against the Dolphins in the fourth quarter of the first Monday-night game. The score gave the Patriots a 38-17 lead.

With New England backed up near the goal line after gaining possession on downs inside the one-yard line, Tom Brady crossed up a blitzing Miami defense with a pass down the left sideline to Welker, who caught the ball near his own 20-yard line, broke away from backup CB Benny Sapp and ran untouched the remaining distance. It was the longest play in Patriots history.

Brady finished the game with 517 passing yards and four TD passes on the night, which easily surpassed the team record for passing yardage in a game. He is the 11th quarterback in NFL history to pass for 500 or more yards.