Patriots Win, Next Face Dolphins

All three of New England running back Craig James’ wishes came true Sunday.

First, he wanted to gain 100 yards so he could go over the 1,000-yard mark, and he rushed for 115. Second, he wanted the Patriots to win, and they did, 23-6, over Detroit.

James’ third and rather unlikely wish was that AFC East rival Miami not lose to Green Bay. The Dolphins won, 34-24.

“I’m glad they won because I don’t want to play any team next week that’s second-best,” James said. “It was tough to keep our minds off Miami.”

New England (10-4) will face the Dolphins (10-4) next Monday night in a game which may decide the AFC East and playoff berths. The New York Jets (10-4) are also tied for first place.

Patriot quarterback Tony Eason ran for one touchdown and threw for another as New England won its eighth game in its last nine outings. Tony Franklin kicked field goals of 38, 50 and 22 yards.

Eason, starting his second game since Steve Grogan strained his knee Nov. 24 against the Jets, completed 14 of 22 passes for 136 yards.

Detroit (7-7), which beat Miami and the Jets at home, lost its seventh straight road game.

“We didn’t do anything well. We didn’t execute and we lost our poise at the end of the game,” Lion Coach Darryl Rogers said.

New England, which never trailed, jumped to a 7-0 lead on Eason’s 16-yard run up the middle 3:54 into the first period. Detroit’s Eddie Murray converted a 26-yard field goal late in the period, but New England held a 17-3 lead at the half on a six-yard scoring pass from Eason to tight end Derrick Ramsey and a 38-yard field goal by Franklin.

Murray connected on a 37-yard field goal 4:29 into the third quarter, but Franklin hit from 50 yards on the first play of the fourth quarter for a 20-6 New England lead. He added a 22-yard field goal with 4:48 remaining after Julius Adams recovered a fumble by Detroit backup quarterback Joe Ferguson.

In the third quarter, with Detroit trailing 17-6, Lion safety Demetrious Johnson intercepted Eason and returned the ball 41 yards for a touchdown, but the score was negated by a holding call against Johnson.

Detroit quarterback Eric Hipple suffered a sprained left knee early in the fourth quarter and did not return. But Rogers said the injury isn’t serious.