Dolphins assured of losing season

After losing to the New York Jets, 13-10, the Dolphins dropped to 6-9 and assured themselves of having a losing season. The game itself was a defensive struggle, as the first half ended with the score tied at 0-0. The Jets scored first with a field goal in the third quarter, and both teams managed to put 10 points on the board in the fourth.

Joey Harrington and Cleo Lemon once again split time at quarterback, with Lemon being the more effective of the two. Harrington completed only 7 of 15 pass attempts for 42 yards. Lemon was 11 of 16 for 104 yards and a touchdown. RB Ronnie Brown returned to the lineup and did well, gaining 110 yards on 18 carries.

Dolphins eliminated from playoffs

Typical of this inconsistent season, the Dolphins were shut out by the Buffalo Bills, 21-0, a week after shutting out the New England Patriots.

The Bills held the Dolphins to 212 total yards and just 118 through the first three quarters. Joey Harrington managed a passer rating of ZERO, going 5 of 17 for 20 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Cleo Lemon. The running game fared only a little better with 112 yards rushing. Sammy Morris carried the ball 20 times for 71 yards.

The Dolphins finish their season against the Jets next Monday night and at Indianapolis the following Sunday.

Dolphins dominate Patriots in shutout

The Dolphins harrassed and embarassed the New England Patriots in a 21-0 victory. It was the first time the Dolphins had shut out an opponent since 2000 (Seattle, 23-0) and the first time New England has been shut out since 2003 (Buffalo, 31-0).

The defense held Tom Brady to 78 yards passing on 12 completions in 25 attempts. Overall, the Patriots managed only 189 total yards. The Dolphins defense also sacked Brady 4 times and caused 3 lost fumbles.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins were efficient if not prolific. Joey Harrington completed 18 of 30 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown, but he didn't throw any interceptions. Sammy Morris performed like a starter, gaining 123 yards on 25 carries with a touchdown.

Dolphins' four-game winning streak ends

The Miami Dolphins lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-10, ending its four-game winning streak. The defense failed to reign in the Jaguars offense. Especially damaging was an injury to Jason Taylor that kept him out of part of the game, a stretch when the Jaguars scored 14 unanswered points.

Starting in place of Ronnie Brown, Sammy Morris gained only 47 yards on 12 carries. Joey Harrington also struggled, completing 27 of 42 passes for 267 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

The loss makes is extremely unlikely (though not impossible) that the Dolphins will make the playoffs this year. Even if they win the last four games, there's a good chance that a 9-7 record will not be good enough for a playoff spot in the AFC.