2010 Miami Dolphins season

2010 Miami Dolphins season
Head coach Tony Sparano
General manager Jeff Ireland
Home field Sun Life Stadium
Results
Record 7-9
Division place 3rd AFC East
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers OT Jake Long
OLB Cameron Wake
DE Randy Starks
LS John Denney
Uniform

The 2010 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 41st season in the National Football League and 45th overall. The Dolphins are entering the 2010 season coming off a third-place finish in the AFC East 7–9

Offseason personnel moves

Staff Changes

In September 2010, Bill Parcells, stepped down as Vice President of Football Operations, but remaining as a consultant.[1] He was later criticised for not making the right choices to improve the team.[2]

The Dolphins lost their first coach of the offseason—outside linebackers coach Jim Reid—on January 8, when Reid was named defensive coordinator and associated head coach under Mike London at the University of Virginia.[3]

That same week, inside linebackers coach George Edwards was named defensive coordinator at the University of Florida under Urban Meyer and acting head coach Steve Addazio.[4] He would later go on to fill the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator position. On January 11, the Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni after the team finished 25th in the league in points allowed during the season.[5] He was quickly replaced by former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan, less than 24 hours after resigning his post in Denver.[6] Former New York Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was named linebackers coach to replace both Edwards and Reid.

Players

Re-signings

Signings

Departures

Trades

2010 NFL Draft

Main article: 2010 NFL Draft

After finishing the 2009 season with a record of 7–9, the Dolphins were slotted for the 12th overall pick in the draft. However, on draft day, they ended up trading down with San Diego for the No.28 pick.

Draft Name Position College Height Weight
Rnd Pick
1 28 Jared Odrick DE Penn State 6'5" 296
2 40 Koa Misi OLB Utah 6'3" 251
3 73 John Jerry G Ole Miss 6'5" 328
4 119 A. J. Edds ILB Iowa 6'4" 246
5 145 Nolan Carroll CB Maryland 5'11" 204
163 Reshad Jones FS Georgia 6'1" 214
7 212 Chris McCoy OLB Middle Tennessee 6'3" 251
252 Austin Spitler ILB Ohio State 6'3" 234

Notes

Staff and roster

Staff

Miami Dolphins 2010 staff
Front Office
  • Chairman/Managing General Partner – Stephen Ross
  • Vice Chairman/Partner – Jorge Perez
  • Vice Chairman – Don Shula
  • CEO – Mike Dee
  • General Manager – Jeff Ireland
  • Senior Vice President of Football Operations – Dawn Aponte
  • Assistant Director of Player Personnel – Brian Gaine
  • Director of College Scouting – Chris Grier

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Coordinator – Mike Nolan
  • Defensive Line – Kacy Rodgers
  • Linebackers – Bill Sheridan
  • Assistant Secondary – Joe Danna
  • Defensive Quality Control/Assistant Linebackers – David Corrao

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Evan Marcus
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – David Puloka

Team Captains

Yeremiah Bell, Patrick Cobbs, Karlos Dansby, and Jake Long.

Final roster

2010 Miami Dolphins final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 13 Inactive, 7 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

The Dolphins preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.[8]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 14 7:00 p.m. EDT Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 10–7 1–0 Sun Life Stadium WFOR Recap
2 August 21 7:30 p.m. EDT at Jacksonville Jaguars W 27–26 2–0 EverBank Field WFOR Recap
3 August 27 7:00 p.m. EDT Atlanta Falcons L 6–16 2–1 Sun Life Stadium WFOR Recap
4 September 2 8:00 p.m. EDT at Dallas Cowboys L 25–27 2–2 Cowboys Stadium WFOR Recap

Regular season

The 2010 regular season schedule was announced on April 20, 2010.

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 12 1:00 p.m. EDT at Buffalo Bills W 15–10 1–0 Ralph Wilson Stadium CBS Recap
2 September 19 1:00 p.m. EDT at Minnesota Vikings W 14–10 2–0 Mall of America Field CBS Recap
3 September 26 8:20 p.m. EDT New York Jets L 23–31 2–1 Sun Life Stadium NBC Recap
4 October 4 8:30 p.m. EDT New England Patriots L 14–41 2–2 Sun Life Stadium ESPN Recap
5 Bye
6 October 17 1:00 p.m. EDT at Green Bay Packers W 23–20 (OT) 3–2 Lambeau Field CBS Recap
7 October 24 1:00 p.m. EDT Pittsburgh Steelers L 22–23 3–3 Sun Life Stadium CBS Recap
8 October 31 1:00 p.m. EDT at Cincinnati Bengals W 22–14 4–3 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
9 November 7 1:00 p.m. EST at Baltimore Ravens L 10–26 4–4 M&T Bank Stadium CBS Recap
10 November 14 1:00 p.m. EST Tennessee Titans W 29–17 5–4 Sun Life Stadium CBS Recap
11 November 18 8:20 p.m. EST Chicago Bears L 0–16 5–5 Sun Life Stadium NFLN Recap
12 November 28 4:05 p.m. EST at Oakland Raiders W 33–17 6–5 Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
13 December 5 1:00 p.m. EST Cleveland Browns L 10–13 6–6 Sun Life Stadium CBS Recap
14 December 12 4:15 p.m. EST at New York Jets W 10–6 7–6 New Meadowlands Stadium CBS Recap
15 December 19 1:00 p.m. EST Buffalo Bills L 14–17 7–7 Sun Life Stadium CBS Recap
16 December 26 1:00 p.m. EST Detroit Lions L 27–34 7–8 Sun Life Stadium Fox Recap
17 January 2 1:00 p.m. EST at New England Patriots L 7–38 7–9 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap

Standings

AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) New England Patriots 14 2 0 .875 5–1 10–2 518 313 W8
(6) New York Jets 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 367 304 W1
Miami Dolphins 7 9 0 .438 2–4 5–7 275 332 L3
Buffalo Bills 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 283 425 L2

Game results

Week 1: at Buffalo Bills

Week 1: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 7 0515
Bills 0 3 0710

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information
1st quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 32-yard field goal, Dolphins 3–0, Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:54.
2nd quarter
  • MIA – Ronnie Brown 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 10–0, Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:09.
  • BUF – Rian Lindell 51-yard field goal, Dolphins 10–3, Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 4:04.
3rd quarter
  • No scoring.
4th quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 32-yard field goal, Dolphins 13–3, Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:54.
  • BUF – Roscoe Parrish 31-yard reception from Trent Edwards (Rian Lindell kick), Dolphins 13–10, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:19
  • MIA – Garrison Sanborn fumble out of bounds for Safety, Dolphins 15–10
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Miami Dolphins began their season at Ralph Wilson Stadium for an AFC East duel with the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, Miami struck first when kicker Dan Carpenter nailed a 32-yard field goal, which was increased in the second quarter when running back Ronnie Brown got a 1-yard TD run. The Bills replied when kicker Rian Lindell made a 51-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Miami scored first with Carpenter hitting a 43-yard field goal. Then, the Bills replied with quarterback Trent Edwards making a 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roscoe Parrish. The final score was made when long snapper Garrison Sanborn fumbled out of bounds for a safety.

With the win, the Dolphins began the season at 1–0.

Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 0 7014
Vikings 0 0 7310

at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
3rd quarter
  • MIA – Koa Misi fumble recovery in endzone (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 14–0,
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), Dolphins 14–7, Drive: 2 plays, 1 yards, 0:10.
4th quarter
  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 28-yard field goal, Dolphins 14–10, Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 6:49.
Top passers
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 9/15, 114 yards, 1 touchdown
  • MIN – Brett Favre – 22/36, 225 yards, 3 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to increase their winning streak, the Dolphins flew to Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for an interconference duel with the Vikings. In the first quarter, the Dolphins got the early lead as QB Chad Henne made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Brian Hartline. In the third quarter, the Dolphins increased their lead when LB Koa Misi recovered a fumble in the endzone for a touchdown, but Minnesota scored with RB Adrian Peterson completing a 1-yard TD run. The Vikings tried to fight back in the 4th quarter with kicker Ryan Longwell nailing a 28-yard field goal, but Miami's defense prevented anything else from happening, giving Miami a win.

With the win, Miami improved to 2–0.

Week 3: vs. New York Jets

Week 3: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jets 7 7 71031
Dolphins 0 10 10323

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • NYJ – Dustin Keller 12-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick), Jets 14–0, Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 4:07.
  • MIA – Anthony Fasano 3-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Jets 14–7, Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:21.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 44-yard field goal, Jets 14–10, Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 6:23.
3rd quarter
  • MIA – Brandon Marshall 11-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 17–14, Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:13.
  • NYJ – Braylon Edwards 67-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick), Jets 21–17, Drive: 1 plays, 67 yards, 0:18.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 20-yard field goal, Jets 21–20, Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:15.
4th quarter
  • NYJ – Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, Jets 24–20, Drive: 8 plays, 5 yards, 4:10.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 50-yard field goal, Jets 24–23, Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:14.
  • NYJ – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), Jets 31–21, Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:47.
Top passers
  • NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 15/28, 253 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 26/44, 363 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Vikings, the Dolphins went home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played their Week 3 home-opener against their AFC East foe, the New York Jets, on Sunday night. Miami trailed early in the first quarter as Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller. The Dolphins' deficit would increase in the second quarter as Sanchez hooked up with Keller again on a 3-yard touchdown pass. Miami would respond with quarterback Chad Henne completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano, followed by kicker Dan Carpenter making a 44-yard field goal.

The Dolphins would take the lead in the third quarter as Henne connected with wide receiver Brandon Marshall on an 11-yard touchdown pass, but New York would immediately respond as Sanchez found wide receiver Braylon Edwards on a 67-yard touchdown pass. Miami would answer with Carpenter's 20-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jets would add onto their lead as kicker Nick Folk got a 30-yard field goal. The Dolphins would chip away as their deficit as Carpenter booted a 50-yard field goal, but New York would pull away as running back LaDainian Tomlinson got a 1-yard touchdown run. Miami tried to rally, but the Jets' defense held on for the win.

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 2–1.

Week 4: vs. New England Patriots

Week 4: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 6 211441
Dolphins 7 0 7014

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 23-yard field goal, Dolphins 7–3, Drive: 16 plays, 55 yards, 9:11.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 30-yard field goal, Dolphins 7–6, Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 2:47.
3rd quarter
  • NE – Brandon Tate 103-yard kickoff return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 13–7, Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:14.
  • NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 12-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 20–7, Drive: 2 plays, 15 yards, 0:42.
  • MIA – Ricky Williams 28-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Patriots 20–14, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:48.
  • NE – Danny Woodhead 11-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 27–14, Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 4:54.
4th quarter
  • NE – Kyle Arrington 35-yard return of blocked field goal (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 34–14,
  • NE – Pat Chung 51-yard interception return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 41–14
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 19/24, 153 yards, 1 touchdown
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 28/38, 305 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • NE – Wes Welker – 8 receptions, 70 yards
  • MIA – Davone Bess – 8 receptions, 96 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their divisional loss to the Jets, the Dolphins stayed at home for a Week 4 AFC East duel with the New England Patriots on Monday night. Miami delivered the opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback Chad Henne hooked up with wide receiver Davone Bess on a 19-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, the Patriots answered with kicker Stephen Gostkowski making a 23-yard and a 30-yard field goal.

New England took the lead in the third quarter as wide receiver Brandon Tate returned the second half's opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, followed by running back BenJarvis Green-Ellis' 12-yard touchdown run. The Dolphins responded with Henne completing a 28-yard touchdown pass to running back Ricky Williams, but the Patriots came right back with quarterback Tom Brady's 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Danny Woodhead. New England would continue its dominance on special teams in the fourth quarter as cornerback Kyle Arrington returned a blocked field goal 35 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, the Patriots sealed the win as safety Patrick Chung returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown.

With the loss, Miami went into its bye week at 2–2.

Week 6: at Green Bay Packers

Week 6: Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Dolphins 7 3 37323
Packers 10 0 010020

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 53-yard field goal, Tied 10–10, Drive: 14 plays, 53 yards, 3:29.
3rd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 41-yard field goal, Dolphins 13–10, Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 7:18.
4th quarter
  • GB – Mason Crosby 26-yard field goal, Packers 17–13, Drive: 16 plays, 55 yards, 9:11.
  • MIA – Anthony Fasano 22-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 20–17, Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:48.
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), Tied 20–20, Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:07.
Overtime
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 44-yard field goal, Dolphins 23–20, Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:45.
Top passers
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 23/39, 231 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers – 18/33, 313 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their bye week the Dolphins flew to Lambeau field for an Interconference duel against the Packers. In the first quarter the Dolphins trailed early with kicker Mason Crosby nailing a 46-yard field goal. But they replied with QB Chad Henne making a 2-yard TD pass to WR Davone Bess. The lead didn't last very long after QB Aaron Rodgers made an 86-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings. The Dolphins tied the game in the second quarter with kicker Dan Carpenter hitting a 53-yard field goal. He also made a 41-yard field goal to put the Dolphins up 13–10. In the fourth quarter the Packers tied the game with Crosby making a 46-yard field goal, but the Dolphins got the lead back when Henne found TE Anthony Fasano on a 22-yard TD pass. Green Bay replied with Rodgers scrambling 1 yard to the endzone for a touchdown to put the game in overtime. After overtime, the decision was made when Carpenter successfully put away a 44-yard field goal to give the Dolphins the win.

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 3–2.

Week 7: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 17 3323
Dolphins 6 10 3322

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 39-yard field goal, Dolphins 3–0, Drive: 4 plays, 1 yards, 0:51.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 23-yard field goal, Dolphins 6–0, Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:53.
2nd quarter
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 22-yard field goal, Dolphins 6–3, Drive: 13 plays, 86 yards, 8:20.
  • PIT – Hines Ward 21-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), Steelers 10–6, Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 1:44.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 22-yard field goal, Steelers 10–9, Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:08.
  • PIT – Mike Wallace 53-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), Steelers 17–9, Drive: 1 plays, 53 yards, 0:16.
  • MIA – Davone Bess 26-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Steelers 17–16, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:57.
3rd quarter
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 39-yard field goal, Steelers 20–16, Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:32.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 37-yard field goal, Steelers 20–19, Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:24.
4th quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 40-yard field goal, Dolphins 22–20, Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:27.
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 18-yard field goal, Steelers 23–22, Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 2:51.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • PIT – Hines Ward – 7 receptions, 131 yards, 1 touchdown
  • MIA – Davone Bess – 6 receptions, 66 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers

Coming off their road win over the Packers, the Dolphins went home for a Week 7 intraconference duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Dolphins delivered the opening splash in the first quarter with a 39-yard and a 23-yard field goal from kicker Dan Carpenter. In the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 22-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completing a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hines Ward. Miami would respond with Carpenter's 22-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh struck back with Roethlisberger's 53-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Wallace. The Dolphins would close out the half as quarterback Chad Henne found wide receiver Davone Bess on a 25-yard touchdown pass.

The Steelers added onto their lead in the third quarter as Reed got a 39-yard field goal. Miami would answer with Carpenter's 37-yard field goal. The Dolphins regained the lead in the fourth quarter as Carpenter booted a 40-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh answered with Reed making an 18-yard field goal. The Dolphins tried to rally, but the Steelers' defense held on for the win.

With the loss, Miami fell to 3–3.

Week 8: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 8: Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 9 3722
Bengals 7 7 0014

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 42-yard field goal, Bengals 7–6, Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:17.
  • CIN – Terrel Owens 37-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Bengals 14–6, Drive: 1 plays, 37 yards, 0:07.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 24-yard field goal, Bengals 14–9, Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 1:51.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 54-yard field goal, Bengals 14–12, Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 0:21.
3rd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 31-yard field goal, Dolphins 15–14, Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 7:29.
4th quarter
  • MIA – Ricky Williams 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 22–14, Drive: 6 plays, 96 yards, 2:49.
Top passers
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 24/37, 217 yards, 1 interception
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 17/38, 156 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Steelers the Dolphins flew to Paul Brown Stadium for an AFC duel with the Bengals. In the first quarter the Dolphins trailed early as QB Carson Palmer got a 7-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. They soon replied with kicker Dan Carpenter hitting a 38- and a 42-yard field goal. The Dolphins fell further behind with Palmer finding Owens again on a 37-yard TD pass. The Dolphins caught up and eventually took the lead with Carpenter hitting a 24, 54, and a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter to put the Dolphins up 15–14. They increased their lead with RB Ricky Williams making a 1-yard TD run.

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 4–3.

Week 9: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 9: Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 3 0010
Ravens 7 6 7626

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 26-yard field goal, Ravens 10–7, Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:10.
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, Ravens 13–7, Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 6:13.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 19-yard field goal, Ravens 13–10, Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 2:40.
3rd quarter
  • BAL – Derrick Mason 12-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 20–10, Drive: 6 plays, 96 yards, 2:49.
4th quarter
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 20-yard field goal, Ravens 23–10, Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 5:58.
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 24-yard field goal, Ravens 26–10, Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 4:16
Top passers
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 22/34, 213 yards, 3 interceptions
  • BAL – Joe Flacco – 20/27, 266 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Dolphins' eighth game was an AFC duel with the Ravens. The Dolphins trailed early after QB Joe Flacco completed a 32-yard TD pass to RB Willis McGahee. They replied with RB Ronnie Brown getting a 12-yard TD run. The Ravens got the lead back after kicker Billy Cundiff made a 26 and a 39-yard field goal. The Dolphins narrowed the lead with kicker Dan Carpenter nailing a 19-yard field goal. The Dolphins fell further behind after Flacco found WR Derrick Mason on a 12-yard TD pass. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Cundiff hitting a 20 and a 24-yard field goal.

With the loss, Miami fell to 4–4.

Week 10: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 10: Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 10 0 7017
Dolphins 7 3 10929

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
  • MIA – Ronnie Brown 2-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 7–0, Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 2:44
  • TEN – Chris Johnson 17-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:51
  • TEN – Rob Bironas 40-yard field goal, Titans 10–7, Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:26
2nd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 23-yard field goal, Tied 10–10, Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:49
3rd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 26-yard field goal, Dolphins 13–10, Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:53
  • MIA – Patrick Cobbs 13-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 20–10, Drive: 2 plays, 13 yards, 0:14
  • TEN – Nate Washington 14-yard pass from Vince Young (Rob Bironas kick), Dolphins 20–17, Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:46
4th quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 42-yard field goal, Dolphins 23–17, Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:43
  • MIA – Anthony Fasano 9-yard pass from Tyler Thigpen (run failed), Dolphins 29–17, Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 4:27
Top passers
  • TEN – Vince Young – 9/18, 92 rushes, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 19/28, 240 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Ravens the Dolphins played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Titans. In the first quarter the Dolphins took the lead as RB Ronnie Brown got a 2-yard TD run. The Titans replied with RB Chris Johnson getting a 17-yard TD run. They fell behind after kicker Rob Bironas nailed a 40-yard field goal. They eventually took the lead after kicker Dan Carpenter made a 23 and a 26-yard field goal, which was soon followed by QB Chad Henne completing a 13-yard TD pass to RB Patrick Cobbs. The Titans replied with QB Vince Young completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington, but the Dolphins continued to score after Carpenter got a 42-yard field goal, followed by QB Tyler Thigpen making a 9-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano (With a failed 2-point conversion). Then FS Reshad Jones intercepted a pass in the end zone for a touchback.

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 5–4.

Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 11: Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 3 3 10016
Dolphins 0 0 000

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 47-yard field goal, Bears 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:27
2nd quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 24-yard field goal, Bears 6–0, Drive: 13 plays, 40 yards, 6:50
3rd quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal, Bears 9–0, Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:13
  • CHI – Matt Forte 2-yard run, Bears 16–0, Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 7:26
4th quarter
Top passers
  • CHI – Jay Cutler – 16/25, 156 yards, 1 interception
  • MIA – Tyler Thigpen – 17/29, 187 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Titans, the Dolphins stayed at home for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. Miami trailed early in the first quarter as Bears kicker Robbie Gould got a 46-yard field goal. Chicago added onto their lead in the second quarter with Gould making a 24-yard field goal.

The Bears continued to increase their lead with Gould's 50-yard field goal, followed by a touchdown scored by running back Matt Forté. This was the final score of the game, with Chicago's defense preventing any score by the Dolphins.

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 5–5.

Week 12: at Oakland Raiders

Week 12: Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 10 3 101033
Raiders 7 7 0317

at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • OAK – Jacoby Ford 44-yard pass from Bruce Gradkowski (Sebastian Janikowski kick), Raiders 14–10, Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:17
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 23-yard field goal, Raiders 14–13, Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 5:28
3rd quarter
  • MIA – Marlon Moore 57-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 20–14, Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:08
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 44-yard field goal, Dolphins 23–14, Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 2:48
4th quarter
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 30-yard field goal, Dolphins 23–17, Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:11
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 25-yard field goal, Dolphins 26–17, Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:54
  • MIA – Ricky Williams 45-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 33–17, Drive: 2 plays, 46 yards, 0:16
Top passers
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 17/30, 307 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • OAK – Bruce Gradkowski – 17/32, 252 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Dolphins' eleventh game was an AFC duel with the Raiders. In the first quarter the Dolphins trailed immediately as Jacoby Ford returned a kick-off 101 yards to their own endzone for a touchdown. They overcame this deficit with kicker Dan Carpenter nailing a 49-yard field goal, followed by QB Chad Henne completing a 29-yard TD pass to RB Patrick Cobbs. The Raiders replied as QB Bruce Gradkowski made a 44-yard TD pass to Ford. The Dolphins got the lead back as Carpenter got a 23-yard field goal, followed by Henne getting a 57-yard TD pass to WR Marlon Moore, and with Carpenter nailing a 44-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed when kicker Sebastian Janikowski hit a 30-yard field goal, but the Dolphins pulled away with Carpenter getting a 25-yard field goal, and with RB Ricky Williams getting a 45-yard TD run.

With the win, Miami improved to 6–5.

Week 13: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 13: Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 7313
Dolphins 0 3 0710

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 32-yard field goal, Browns 3–0, Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 1:41
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 60-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 1:41
3rd quarter
4th quarter
  • MIA – Anthony Fasano 11-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Tied 10–10, Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:49
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 23-yard field goal, Browns 13–10, Drive: 4 plays, −4 yards, 0:54
Top passers
  • CLE – Jake Delhomme – 24/34, 217 yards, 1 touchdown
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 16/32, 174 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • CLE – Abram Elam – 5 tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception
  • MIA – Tim Dobbins – 5 tackles, 2 assists

Coming off their win over the Raiders the Dolphins played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Browns. The second quarter saw the Dolphins trailing early as kicker Phil Dawson made a 32-yard field goal. They replied with kicker Dan Carpenter hitting a 60-yard field goal. They trailed again with QB Jake Delhomme completing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Benjamin Watson. But they replied in the fourth quarter with QB Chad Henne making an 11-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano. The Browns scored again after Dawson nailed a 23-yard field goal.

With the loss, Miami fell to 6–6.

Week 14: at New York Jets

Week 14: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 10 0 0010
Jets 0 3 036

at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • NYJ – Nick Folk 35-yard field goal, Dolphins 10–3, Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 2:49
3rd quarter
4th quarter
  • NYJ – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, Dolphins 10–6, Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:14
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • MIA – Karlos Dansby – 8 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
  • NYJ – Sione Pouha – 7 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Browns the Dolphins flew to New Meadowlands Stadium for an AFC East rivalry match against the Jets. The Dolphins took the lead with kicker Dan Carpenter nailing a 47-yard field goal, followed by QB Chad Henne completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall. The Jets responded with kicker Nick Folk hitting a 35 and a 42-yard field goal.

With the win, Miami improved to 7–6.

Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 15: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 0 10 7017
Dolphins 0 7 0714

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
3rd quarter
  • BUF – Steve Johnson 15-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 17–7, Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 6:25.
4th quarter
Top passers
  • BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 16/26, 223 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 33/45, 276 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Dolphins' fourteenth game was a must-win matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins lost. The final score was seventeen (17) to fourteen (14) and the Dolphins never lead during the game. The second quarter saw Miami trailing early with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completing an 18-yard TD pass to WR David Nelson. This was followed by kicker Rian Lindell nailing a 29-yard field goal. The Dolphins responded with RB Ronnie Brown getting a 6-yard TD run, but trailed further in the third quarter with Fitzpatrick throwing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Steve Johnson. The Dolphins tried to cut the lead with QB Chad Henne getting a 9-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall, but the Bills defense denied any more offensive chances.

With the loss, Miami fell to 7–7, and was officially eliminated from playoff contention. Reaction around the Miami area was palpable, with many fans and the media calling for head coach Tony Sparano to resign at the end of the season.[9]

Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 16: Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 3 7 71734
Dolphins 3 14 7327

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information
1st quarter
  • DET – Dave Rayner 39-yard field goal, Lions 3–0, Drive: 4 plays, −2 yards, 2:04.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 40-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:57.
2nd quarter
  • DET – Brandon Pettigrew 20-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Dave Rayner kick), 10–3 Lions, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:13.
  • MIA – Lousaka Polite 4-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Tied 10–10, Drive: 11 plays, 80 yds, 6:04.
  • MIA – Davone Bess 13-yard pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 17–10, Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 1:12.
3rd quarter
  • DET – Maurice Morris 5-yard run (Dave Rayner kick), Tied 17–17, Drive: 14 plays, 86 yards, 6:28.
  • MIA – Ronnie Brown 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 24–17, Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:44.
4th quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 28-yard field goal, 27–17 Dolphins, Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:53.
  • DET – Jahvid Best 53-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Dave Rayner kick), 27–24 Dolphins, Drive: 1 plays, 53 yards, 0:00.
  • DET – Dave Rayner 47-yard field goal, Tied 27–27, Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:57.
  • DET – DeAndre Levy 30-yard interception return (Dave Rayner kick), 34–27 Lions, Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 0:33.
Top passers
  • DET – Shaun Hill – 14/26, 222 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 29/44, 278 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Dolphins fifteenth game was an inter-conference duel against the Lions. The Dolphins trailed early as kicker Dave Rayner nailed a 39-yard field goal. They re-tied the game with kicker Dan Carpenter hit a 40-yard field goal. The Lions scored again with QB Shaun Hill completing a 20-yard TD pass to TE Brandon Pettigrew, but the Dolphins got the lead back with FB Lousaka Polite getting a 4-yard TD run, followed by QB Chad Henne getting a 13-yard TD pass to WR Davone Bess. The Lions tied the game with RB Maurice Morris getting a 5-yard TD run, but the Dolphins scored to take the lead again with RB Ronnie Brown getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Carpenter hitting a 28-yard field goal. They failed to maintain this lead after QB Shaun Hill completed a 53-yard TD pass to RB Jahvid Best, followed by Rayner making a 47-yard field goal, then with MLB DeAndre Levy returning an interception 30 yards for a touchdown.

With the loss, Miami fell to 7–8.

Week 17: at New England Patriots

Week 17: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 0 077
Patriots 14 10 14038

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 47°F (Cloudy and occasional rain)
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Rich Gannon
Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
3rd quarter
4th quarter
Top passers
  • MIA –
  • NE –
Top rushers
  • MIA –
  • NE –
Top receivers
  • MIA –
  • NE –
Top tacklers
  • MIA –
  • NE –

The Dolphins' final game was an AFC East rematch against the Patriots. They trailed early with QB Tom Brady throwing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Rob Gronkowski, followed by BenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 1-yard TD run, then with kicker Shayne Graham nailing a 28-yard field goal. The Dolphins continued to struggle after a three-and-out was converted into a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown by Julian Edelman, followed by Brady making a 10-yard TD pass to TE Alge Crumpler, then with QB Brian Hoyer completing a 42-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Tate. The Dolphins made their only score of the game with QB Tyler Thigpen throwing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Davone Bess.

With the loss, Miami finished their season with a 7–9 record.

References

  1. ↑ Miami Dolphins consultant Bill Parcells might be advising another NFL team, too, Dec 29, 2010, palmbeachpost.com, Accessed November 24, 2011
  2. ↑ Atmosphere polluted around Parcells’ successors, 08.07.11, forbes.com, Accessed November 24, 2011
  3. ↑ "Virginia named Reid defensive coordinator". WashingtonPost.com. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  4. ↑ "Florida's Urban Meyer completes staff by hiring George Edwards as defensive coordinator". LATimes.com. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  5. ↑ "Dolphins fire defensive coordinator". espn.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Miami Dolphins name Mike Nolan defensive coordinator". sunsentinel.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2010. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Dolphins sign Dansby". espn.com. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
  8. ↑ Dolphins To Host Buccaneers, Falcons In 2010 Preseason; Visit Jacksonville, Dallas
  9. ↑ http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/19/1980935/miami-dolphins-loss-to-buffalo.html

External links

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