Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jared Odrick has heaped praise on reserve safety Michael Thomas after he helped his side secure a valuable win over the New England Patriots yesterday.

Thomas was making his NFL debut in the match and ensured that it was one to remember as he intercepted a Tom Brady pass in the endzone with just two seconds remaining to secure a 24-20 win for his side.

Odrick has admitted that he did not even know Thomas's first name before the game, but believes that pulling off such an important play at a critical time shows that he is a "pure athlete".

"I didn't know what his first name was. That's being thrown in the fire and reacting. That's a pure athlete," Odrick told The AP.

Despite the result, the Patriots remain two wins clear of the Dolphins at the top of the AFC East with just two games remaining.