context: In 1986, the Dolphins, hampered by defensive struggles, stumbled to a 2-5 start and finished 8-8, missing the playoffs for the first time since 1980. They also lost their final game at the Orange Bowl, falling to the New England Patriots 34-27 on Monday Night Football. The problems continued in 1987, with an 8-7 (7-5 in non-strike games) record in a 1987 NFL strike-shortened year, their first at new Joe Robbie Stadium. In 1988, Miami had its first losing season (6-10) since 1976, and finished 8-8 in 1989.
question: How many points did the Dolphins lose to the Patriots by?
answer: 7