Dolphins match 2004 win total by beating Raiders, 33-21

The Miami Dolphins defense, playing without injured Zach Thomas and Junior Seau, recorded 7 sacks, including 3 by Jason Taylor, in snapping the team's 3-game losing streak by defeating the Oakland Raiders, 33-21. Frerotte completed 18 of 31 passes for 261 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception. Ricky Williams rushed for 82 yards on 16 carries. He scored on a 34-yard run late in the game to ice it. Ronnie Brown added 58 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown.

Dolphins shut out by Browns, 22-0

How bad can it get? The Dolphins were shut out by the previously 3-6 Cleveland Browns, 22-0. To add insult to injury, the team also lost leading tackler Zach Thomas to a shoulder injury late in the first half.

Sage Rosenfels started for the injured Gus Frerotte and completed 5-of-10 passes for 14 yards and two interceptions before being yanked for Frerotte, who wound up with just 53 yards on 4-of-18 passing. The lone bright spot was Ricky Williams, who ran 13 times for 83 yards.

Frerotte's injury a blessing in disguise?

Gus Frerotte is unsure whether he will be able to play this Sunday against the Browns because of a swollen index finger in his throwing hand. With the fans and media clamoring for Sage Rosenfels to take over at quarterback, this could be just the excuse coach Saban needs to make the change. Saban said previously that he didn't want to start Rosenfels because it may disrupt team chemistry, but with Frerotte's injury, he has a legitimate reason to try out Rosenfels. If Rosenfels fails miserably, then Saban can put Frerotte back in without creating much controversy.

Dolphins suffer another close loss

For the second week in a row, the Dolphins drove for the tying score late in the game but came up empty. With 58 seconds to play and a first down at the New England 5 yard line, the Dolphins could not score. The result was a 23-16 loss to the New England Patriots.

Gus Frerotte completed 25 of 47 passes for 360 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception. Ronnie Brown gained 64 yards on 14 carries, but Ricky Williams was held to 13 yards on 11 carries.

Against the Falcons last week and again this week, the Dolphins chose to pass instead of run when near the goal line. Why?? Why when the team has Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams? Why when the strength of the offense is its running, not passing? Coach Saban seemed to second guess himself after last week, but he obviously didn't learn from his mistakes.

Late interception dooms Dolphins vs. Falcons

Driving for the tying touchdown, the Dolphins' hopes ended with an interception after reaching the Falcons' 8-yard line, thus losing the game 17-10. Frerotte finished the game with 13 completions in 22 attempts for a measly 103 yards, no touchdowns, and the interception. The running game fared better, with Ricky Williams gaining 52 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. Ronnie Brown added 67 yards on 12 carries.

The game wasn't as close as the score and final Dolphins drive indicated. Vick had his best passing day of the season with 228 yards, and the Falcons gained 382 net yards, almost double the Dolphins' 208.