2011 Miami Dolphins season

2011 Miami Dolphins season
Head coach	Tony Sparano (fired on December 12; 4–9 record) Todd Bowles (interim; 2–1 record )
General manager	Jeff Ireland
Home field	Sun Life Stadium
Results
Record	6–10
Division place	3rd AFC East
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	Brandon Marshall, WR Jake Long, OT Paul Soliai, NT
Uniform

The 2011 Miami Dolphins season was the team's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 46th overall and the fourth under head coach Tony Sparano.^[1] The Dolphins made their first round selection with the 15th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft on Florida offensive lineman Mike Pouncey. The team got off to an 0–7 start and won six of their final nine games, but failed to improve on their record from 2010, resulting in Sparano being fired on December 12, 2011.

Offseason

2011 NFL draft

DraftKing.com, NFLMocks.com, and The Palm Beach Post predicted that the Dolphins would use their first round pick to choose Gabe Carimi, a left tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers who won the 2010 Outland Trophy as the nation's top collegiate interior lineman, and was a Consensus All-American.^[2][3] Charles Davis of NFL.com predicted they would draft Mark Ingram, Jr. from the University of Alabama.^[4]

2011 Miami Dolphins draft
Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	15	Mike Pouncey *	C/G	Florida
2	62	Daniel Thomas	RB	Kansas State	Pick from DEN[dr 1][dr 2]
4	111	Edmond Gates	WR	Abilene Christian
6	174	Charles Clay	FB/TE	Tulsa	Pick from GB[dr 3]
7	231	Frank Kearse	DT	Alabama A&M	Pick from JAC[dr 4]
7	235	Jimmy Wilson	CB	Montana	Compensatory[dr 5]
Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

1. The Dolphins traded its second-round selection (#46 overall) and a 2010 second-round selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for WR Brandon Marshall.
2. The Dolphins traded its third-round selection (#79 overall), fifth-round selection (#146 overall) and a seventh-round selection (#217 overall) to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a second-round selection (#62 overall).
3. The Dolphins traded its sixth-round selection (#179 overall) and seventh-round selection (#218 overall) to the Green Bay Packers for their sixth-round selection (#174 overall) and seventh-round selection (#231 overall).
4. The Dolphins acquired this seventh-round selection (#218 overall) in a May 2010 trade that sent G Justin Smiley to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
5. Compensatory selection

Personnel changes

Brian Daboll joins the team as offensive coordinator. Karl Dorrell moves to quarter backs coach from wide receivers coach. Jeff Nixon added as the running backs coach. Steve Bush moves to wide receivers coach from offensive quality control. Ike Hilliard added as an assistant wide receivers coach. Dan Campbell moves to tight ends coach from intern. Bryan Cox is added as a defensive pass rush coach.

Roster changes

Re-signings

• March 4 — Re-signed guard Richie Incognito three years ^[5]
• July 30 — Re-signed defensive tackle Tony McDaniel two years ^[6]
• August 5 — Re-signed offensive tackle Nate Garner, running back Lex Hilliard, tackle Lydon Murtha, running back Kory Sheets^[7]

Signings

• July 26 — Signed quarter back Pat Devlin^[8]
• July 29 — Signed linebacker Kevin Burnett^[9]
• July 30 — Signed linebacker Jason Trusnik,^[10] quarter back Matt Moore^[11]
• July 31 — Signed defensive tackle Ronald Fields^[12]
• August 1 — Signed offensive tackle Marc Colombo^[13]
• August 2 — Signed linebacker Jason Taylor^[14]
• August 5 — Signed quarter back Kevin O'Connell^[15]
• August 6 — Signed offensive tackle Ray Willis^[16]
• August 9 — Signed linebacker David Nixon, defensive back K.J. Gerard^[17]
• August 15 — Signed wide receiver John Matthews,^[18] linebacker Marvin Mitchell^[19]
• August 22 — Signed guard Tyler Donohue
• August 23 — Signed running back Larry Johnson ^[20]
• August 29 — Signed safety Gerald Alexander
• September 4 — Signed tight end Will Yeatman^[21]
• September 5 — Signed tight end Dante Rosario and center/guard Ryan Cook
• September 8 — Signed running back Larry Johnson
• September 14 — Signed corner back Will Allen^[22]
• September 20 — Signed defensive lineman Igor Olshansky and corner back Nate Jones^[23]
• September 28 — Signed running back Steve Slaton^[24]
• October 6 — Signed quarterback Sage Rosenfels^[25]

Departures

• July 29 — UFA quarter back Tyler Thigpen,^[26] UFA quarter back Chad Pennington^[27]
• August 2 — UFA running back Ronnie Brown,^[28] Released linebacker Channing Crowder^[29]
• August 3 — Terminated the contract of linebacker Tim Dobbins ^[30]
• August 8 — UFA running back Ricky Williams ^[31]
• August 15 — Waived wide receiver Brooks Foster
• August 23 — Waived running back Kory Sheets
• August 26 — Waived corner back K.J. Gerard, defensive tackle Johnny Jones, corner back Jose Perez
• August 27 — Waived/Injured linebacker Mike Rivera
• August 30 — Waived tackle Tyler Donahue
• September 2 — Waived tight end Dedrick Epps and wide receiver John Matthews. Terminated contract of safety Gerald Alexander.
• September 3 — Waived quarterback Kevin O'Connell, safety Mark Restelli, cornerback Vincent Agnew, tight end Brett Brackett, wide receiver Patrick Carter, guard Garrett Chisolm, quarterback Pat Devlin, linebacker Jonathan Freeny, running back Nic Grigsby, tackle D.J. Jones, tackle Matt Kopa, wide receiver Phillip Livas, cornerback Nate Ness, linebacker David Nixon, wide receiver Julius Pruitt, linebacker Robert Rose, tight end Mickey Shuler, and linebacker Quinton Spears. Terminated contracts with corner back Will Allen, nose tackle Ronald Fields, running back Larry Johnson, full back Lousaka Polite, and tackle Ray Willis.^[32]
• September 4 — Waived defensive tackle Frank Kearse
• September 5 — Released linebacker A.J. Edds and terminated the contract of center Joe Berger
• September 8 — Waived guard Ray Feinga
• September 13 — Terminated the contract of corner back Benny Sapp
• September 20 — Terminated the contracts of running back Larry Johnson and tight end Dante Rosario.
• September 28 — Cut defensive end Ryan Baker

Trades

• July 29 — Traded reserve safety Jonathon Amaya and an exchange of undisclosed draft picks for running back Reggie Bush.^[33]

Team Captains

The team voted the following as their 2011 team captains.

Offense

• Chad Henne
• Jake Long

Defense

• Yeremiah Bell
• Karlos Dansby

Special Teams

Head coach Tony Sparano decided that the special teams captain would be selected on week to week basis.^[34]

Staff

Miami Dolphins 2011 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 Director of Player Personnel – Brian Gaine Director of College Scouting – Chris Grier Assistant Director of Pro Scouting – Chris Shea Head Coaches Interim Head Coach/Secondary – Todd Bowles Offensive Coaches Offensive Coordinator – Brian Daboll Quarterbacks – Karl Dorrell Running Backs – Jeff Nixon Wide Receivers – Steve Bush Assistant Wide Receivers – Ike Hilliard Tight Ends – Dan Campbell Offensive Line – Dave DeGuglielmo Offensive Quality Control – Tony Sparano, Jr.			Defensive Coaches Defensive Coordinator – Mike Nolan Defensive Line – Kacy Rodgers Pass Rush – Bryan Cox Linebackers – Bill Sheridan Assistant Linebackers – David Corrao Assistant Secondary – Joe Danna Special Teams Coaches Special Teams Coordinator – Darren Rizzi Assistant Special Teams – Dave Fipp Strength and Conditioning Head Strength and Conditioning – Darren Krein Assistant Strength and Conditioning – David Puloka

Final roster

2011 Miami Dolphins final roster
	Quarterbacks  9 Pat Devlin  6 J. P. Losman  8 Matt Moore Running backs 22 Reggie Bush 31 Charles Clay FB/TE 26 Lex Hilliard RB/FB 38 Richard Medlin 23 Steve Slaton 33 Daniel Thomas Wide receivers 15 Davone Bess PR 10 Clyde Gates KR 82 Brian Hartline 19 Brandon Marshall 11 Julius Pruitt Tight ends 80 Anthony Fasano 88 Jeron Mastrud 89 Will Yeatman		Offensive linemen 61 Will Barker T 72 Vernon Carey G 71 Marc Colombo T 62 Ryan Cook C/G 69 Ray Feinga G 75 Nate Garner G/T 68 Richie Incognito G 74 John Jerry G 51 Mike Pouncey C Defensive linemen 90 Ryan Baker DE/NT 70 Kendall Langford DE 78 Tony McDaniel DE 97 Phillip Merling DE 98 Jared Odrick DE 94 Randy Starks DE 96 Paul Soliai NT		Linebackers 59 Ikaika Alama-Francis OLB 56 Kevin Burnett ILB 58 Karlos Dansby ILB 50 Marvin Mitchell ILB 53 Austin Spitler ILB 99 Jason Taylor OLB 93 Jason Trusnik OLB 91 Cameron Wake OLB Defensive backs 25 Will Allen CB 37 Yeremiah Bell SS 28 Nolan Carroll CB 30 Chris Clemons FS 29 Tyrone Culver SS 21 Vontae Davis CB 20 Reshad Jones FS 24 Sean Smith CB 27 Jimmy Wilson CB Special teams  5 Dan Carpenter K 92 John Denney LS  2 Brandon Fields P		Reserve lists  7 Chad Henne QB (IR) 77 Jake Long OT (IR) 55 Koa Misi OLB (IR) 14 Marlon Moore WR (IR) 76 Lydon Murtha OT (IR) 18 Roberto Wallace WR (IR) Practice squad 95 Isaako Aaitui NT 43 Vince Agnew CB  4 McLeod Bethel-Thompson QB 32 Marcus Brown CB 49 Jonathan Freeny OLB -- Chris Hogan WR -- Ian Johnson RB 40 Anderson Russell SS Rookies in italics 53 Active, 6 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

The Dolphins' defensive backs huddle during the preseason opener in Atlanta.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	August 12	at Atlanta Falcons	W 28–23	1–0	Georgia Dome	Recap
2	August 19	Carolina Panthers	W 20–10	2–0	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
3	August 27	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 13–17	2–1	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
4	September 1	Dallas Cowboys	W 17–3	3–1	Sun Life Stadium	Recap

Regular season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	September 12	New England Patriots	L 24–38	0–1	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
2	September 18	Houston Texans	L 13–23	0–2	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
3	September 25	at Cleveland Browns	L 16–17	0–3	Cleveland Browns Stadium	Recap
4	October 2	at San Diego Chargers	L 16–26	0–4	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
5	Bye
6	October 17	at New York Jets	L 6–24	0–5	MetLife Stadium	Recap
7	October 23	Denver Broncos	L 15–18 (OT)	0–6	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
8	October 30	at New York Giants	L 17–20	0–7	MetLife Stadium	Recap
9	November 6	at Kansas City Chiefs	W 31–3	1–7	Arrowhead Stadium	Recap
10	November 13	Washington Redskins	W 20–9	2–7	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
11	November 20	Buffalo Bills	W 35–8	3–7	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
12	November 24	at Dallas Cowboys	L 19–20	3–8	Cowboys Stadium	Recap
13	December 4	Oakland Raiders	W 34–14	4–8	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
14	December 11	Philadelphia Eagles	L 10–26	4–9	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
15	December 18	at Buffalo Bills	W 30–23	5–9	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
16	December 24	at New England Patriots	L 24–27	5–10	Gillette Stadium	Recap
17	January 1	New York Jets	W 19–17	6–10	Sun Life Stadium	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. New England Patriots

Week One: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	7	14	10	38
Dolphins	7	0	10	7	24

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: September 12
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), partly cloudy
• Game attendance: 66,860
• Referee: Pete Morelli
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden & Ron Jaworski, Suzy Kolber & Wendi Nix

Game information

First quarter MIA – Chad Henne 9-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 7–0, Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 7:18. NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 4-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:28. Second quarter NE – Rob Gronkowski 10-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 14–7, Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:54 Third quarter MIA – Brian Hartline 10-yard reception from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Tied 14–14, Drive: 2 plays, 9 yards, 0:44 NE – Wes Welker 2-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 21–14, Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:06 MIA – Dan Carpenter 20-yard field goal, Patriots 28–17, Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:47. NE – Aaron Hernandez 1-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 28–17, Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:26 Fourth quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 20-yard field goal, Patriots 31–17, Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:35. NE – Wes Welker 99-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 38–17, Drive: 1 plays, 99 yards, 0:13 MIA – Reggie Bush 2-yard reception from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Patriots 38–24, Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 2:05 Top passers NE – Tom Brady – 32/48, 517 yards, 4 TDs MIA – Chad Henne – 30/49, 416 yards, 2 TDs Top rushers NE – Danny Woodhead – 14 rushes, 69 yards MIA – Chad Henne – 7 rushes, 59 yards, 1 TD Top receivers NE – Wes Welker – 8 receptions, 160 yards, 2 TDs MIA – Brandon Marshall – 7 receptions, 139 yards Top tacklers NE – Devin McCourty – 10 tackles, 1 assist MIA – Reshad Jones – 8 tackles, 4 assists

The Dolphins began their 2011 campaign at home, for a Week 1 AFC East duel with the New England Patriots in the first game of Monday Night Football's doubleheader. Miami delivered the game's opening splash with a 9-yard touchdown run from quarterback Chad Henne. The Patriots answered with running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 4-yard touchdown run. New England took the lead in the second quarter as quarterback Tom Brady completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The Dolphins struck back in the third quarter as Henne found wide receiver Brian Hartline on a 10-yard touchdown pass, but New England came right back with Brady completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker. Miami replied with a 20-yard field goal from kicker Dan Carpenter, but the Patriots came right back with Brady completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez. New England added onto their in the fourth quarter as kicker Stephen Gostkowski got a 20-yard field goal, followed by Brady completing a 99-yard touchdown pass to Welker. The Dolphins would close out the game with Henne finding running back Reggie Bush on a 2-yard touchdown pass.

With the loss, Miami began their season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Houston Texans

Week Two: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Texans	6	10	17	14	47
Dolphins	3	0	7	24	34

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: September 18
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 87 °F (31 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 51,032
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information

First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers HOU – Matt Schaub 21/29 230 Yds 2 TD MIA – Chad Henne 12/30 170 Yds 1 TD 1 Int. Top rushers HOU – Ben Tate 23 Rushes 103 Yds 4.5 Avg 16 MIA – Daniel Thomas 18 Rushes 107 Yds. 5.9 Avg 14 Top receivers HOU – Andre Johnson 7 Rec 93 Yds 13.3 Avg 43 Lng 1 TD MIA – Brandon Marshall 6 Rec 79 Yds 13.2 Avg 29 Lng 1 TD Top tacklers HOU – Brian Cushing 7 Tack 3 Ast MIA – Randy Starks 6 Tack 0 Ast

With the loss, the Dolphins dropped to 0–2.

Week 3: at Cleveland Browns

Week Three: Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	3	3	3	16
Browns	0	7	3	7	17

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

• Date: September 25
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 66,651
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Randy Cross

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – CLE – Top rushers MIA – CLE – Top receivers MIA – CLE – Top tacklers MIA – CLE –

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–3.

Week 4: at San Diego Chargers

Week Four: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	3	3	3	16
Chargers	7	6	10	3	26

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: October 2
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 63,002
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – Matt More SD – Philp Rivers Top rushers MIA – SD – Top receivers MIA – SD – Top tacklers MIA – SD –

With the loss, the Dolphins went into their bye week 0–4.

Week 6: at New York Jets

Week Six: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	3	3	0	0	6
Jets	7	7	3	7	24

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: October 17
• Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), clear
• Game attendance: 78,912
• Referee: Tony Corrente
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Suzy Kolber

Game information

First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – Matt Moore- 16/34, 204, 2INT NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 14/25, 201 yards, 1TD Top rushers MIA – Reggie Bush- 10 rushes, 71 yards NYJ – Shonn Greene- 21 rushes, 74 yards Top receivers MIA – Brandon Marshall- 6 receptions, 106 yards NYJ – Santonio Holmes- 3 receptions, 63 yards, 1TD Top tacklers MIA – Yeremiah Bell- 7 tackles NYJ – Jim Leonhard- 7 tackles Calvin Pace- 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–5.

Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Seven: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Broncos	0	0	0	15	3	18
Dolphins	0	6	0	9	0	15

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: October 23
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 63,800
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers DEN – MIA – Top rushers DEN – MIA – Top receivers DEN – MIA – Top tacklers DEN – MIA –

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–6.

Week 8: at New York Giants

Week Eight: Miami Dolphins at New York Giants – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	7	3	0	17
Giants	3	7	0	10	20

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: October 30
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 45 °F (7 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 79,302
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – NYG – Top rushers MIA – NYG – Top receivers MIA – NYG – Top tacklers MIA – NYG –

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–7.

Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Nine: Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	7	14	3	31
Chiefs	3	0	0	0	3

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: November 6
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 72,263
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – KC – Top rushers MIA – KC – Top receivers MIA – KC – Top tacklers MIA – KC –

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 1–7 and made the Colts the only winless team.

Week 10: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Ten: Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	3	3	3	0	9
Dolphins	7	3	3	7	20

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: November 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), mostly cloudy
• Game attendance: 57,007
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers & Tim Ryan

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers WAS – MIA – Top rushers WAS – MIA – Top receivers WAS – MIA – Top tacklers WAS – MIA –

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 2–7.

Week 11: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Eleven: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	3	3	0	2	8
Dolphins	14	14	7	0	35

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: November 20
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), mostly cloudy
• Game attendance: 57,531
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon

Game information

First quarter BUF – Dave Rayner 30-yard field goal, Bills 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:47. MIA – Anthony Fasano 10-yard reception from Matt Moore (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 7–3, Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 6:45 MIA – Reggie Bush 5-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 14–3, Drive: 4 plays, 59 yards, 1:40. Second quarter MIA – Charles Clay 12-yard reception from Matt Moore (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 21–3, Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:09 MIA – Davone Bess 4-yard reception from Matt Moore (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 28–3, Drive: 5 plays, 4 yards, 0:32 BUF – Dave Rayner 56-yard field goal, Dolphins 28–6, Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 1:36. Third quarter MIA – Lex Hilliard recovered blocked punt in the end zone (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 35–6 Fourth quarter BUF – Daniel Thomas tackled in end zone by Kelvin Sheppard, Safety Top passers BUF – MIA – Top rushers BUF – MIA – Top receivers BUF – MIA – Top tacklers BUF – MIA –

Coming off their win over the Redskins, the Dolphins stayed at home for a Week 11 AFC East showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Miami trailed early in the first quarter as Bills kicker Dave Rayner made a 30-yard field goal, yet the Dolphins immediately answered with quarterback Matt Moore finding tight end Anthony Fasano on a 1-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Reggie Bush. Miami would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Moore connecting with fullback Charles Clay on a 12-yard touchdown pass, followed by wide receiver Davone Bess on a 4-yard touchdown pass. Buffalo would close out the half with Rayner booting a 56-yard field goal.

The Dolphins continued their dominating day in the third quarter with running back Lex Hilliard recovering a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown (the team's first TD off of a blocked punt since 1990). The Bills tried to rally as linebacker Kelvin Sheppard tackled rookie running back Daniel Thomas in the endzone for a safety, but Miami's lead proved to be too much to overcome.

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 3–7.

This game also marked the first time since 1990 that Miami allowed 10 points or fewer in three-straight games. They have now become the 3rd team in NFL History to win 3 straight after starting season at least 0–7 ('78 Cardinals & '86 Colts).^[35]

Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys

Thanksgiving Day game

Week Twelve: Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	3	3	10	3	19
Cowboys	0	10	0	10	20

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

• Date: November 24
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST/3:15 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 87,418
• Referee: Pete Morelli
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz & Phil Simms

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – DAL – Top rushers MIA – DAL – Top receivers MIA – DAL – Top tacklers MIA – DAL –

Coming off their win over the Bills, the Dolphins flew to Cowboys Stadium for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Miami delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Shayne Graham, but the Cowboys answered in the second quarter with kicker Dan Bailey getting a 32-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laurent Robinson. The Dolphins would close out the half with a 28-yard field goal from Graham.

Miami would regain the lead in the third quarter with a 27-yard field goal from Graham, followed by quarterback Matt Moore finding wide receiver Brandon Marshall on a 35-yard field goal. Dallas struck back in the fourth quarter with Romo completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to Robinson. The Dolphins would reply with a 23-yard field goal from Graham, but the Cowboys got the last laugh with Bailey nailing the game-winning 28-yard field goal.

With the loss, Miami fell to 3–8.

Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Thirteen: Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	0	14	14
Dolphins	6	7	21	0	34

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 4
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 57,225
• Referee: Mike Carey
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers OAK – MIA – Top rushers OAK – MIA – Top receivers OAK – MIA – Top tacklers OAK – MIA –

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 4–8.

Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week Fourteen: Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	24	0	2	26
Dolphins	7	0	3	0	10

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 11
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 67,823
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers PHI – MIA – Top rushers PHI – MIA – Top receivers PHI – MIA – Top tacklers PHI – MIA –

With the loss, the Dolphins dropped to 4–9, and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. One day later (December 12), head coach Tony Sparano was fired and replaced by assistant coach Todd Bowles on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

Week 15: at Buffalo Bills

Week Fifteen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	13	7	10	30
Bills	7	0	0	16	23

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: December 18
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 31 °F (−1 °C), cloudy/snow
• Game attendance: 60,988
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – BUF – Top rushers MIA – BUF – Top receivers MIA – BUF – Top tacklers MIA – BUF –

Week 16: at New England Patriots

Week Sixteen: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	3	14	0	7	24
Patriots	0	0	17	10	27

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 30 °F (−1 °C), sunny and cold
• Game attendance: 68,756
• Referee: Alberto Riveron
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – NE – Top rushers MIA – NE – Top receivers MIA – NE – Top tacklers MIA – NE –

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

Week Seventeen: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	7	3	0	7	17
Dolphins	3	3	0	13	19

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: January 1
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 65,811
• Referee: Jerome Boger
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers NYJ – Mark Sanchez 21/32, 207 yds, 2 TDs MIA – Matt Moore 22/32, 135 yds, 1 TD Top rushers NYJ – L. Tomlinson 11 rushes, 56 yds MIA – Steve Slaton 11 rushes, 55 yds Top receivers NYJ – Jeremy Kerley 4 receptions, 71 yds MIA – Brandon Marshall 5 receptions, 50 yds Top tacklers NYJ – MIA –

The Dolphins closed out their season with a 19–17 win over the Jets that knocked the Jets out of playoff contention. The Dolphins intercepted Mark Sanchez three times and limited him to 235 passing yards. The win was the 400th in Miami Dolphins franchise history and the final game for Jason Taylor, held to one tackle in the game; he recovered what was initially ruled a fumble by the Jets and raced to a touchdown, but the score was nullified when it the ball was ruled down by contact.

Standings

AFC East
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
^(1) New England Patriots	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	513	342	W8
New York Jets	8	8	0	.500	3–3	6–6	394	382	L3
Miami Dolphins	6	10	0	.375	3–3	5–7	348	330	W1
Buffalo Bills	6	10	0	.375	1–5	4–8	372	434	L1

References

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