Dolphins Defeat Patriots to Move Closer to Playoffs

The Miami Dolphins regained control of their destiny in the wild-card playoff race Sunday night by beating New England, 31-10.

The Dolphins (8-6) moved into a first-place tie with Buffalo in the AFC East and are guaranteed their first playoff berth since 1985 if they win their final games at Indianapolis and at home against Kansas City.

“This is what it’s all about--working to be alive in December,” Coach Don Shula said. “We’re happy to be right where we are, and we realize whatever happens is up to us.”

Losses Sunday by Buffalo and Cleveland helped the Dolphins’ playoff chances.

“We got a lift when we heard that Buffalo lost,” linebacker John Offerdahl said. “But we knew we had to win our last three games. If we lose one, it probably doesn’t matter what anybody else does.”

Because the Bills beat the Dolphins twice earlier, Miami must finish ahead of Buffalo to win the playoff berth as AFC East champions.

Sammie Smith scored on a three short runs and Dan Marino passed for 300 yards to spark the Dolphins’ offense. The defense, ranked third-worst in the NFL against the rush, limited New England’s John Stephens to 20 yards in 10 carries.

“Our run defense had taken a lot of heat,” Shula said. “When that happens, you have to keep the faith, because you don’t have a lot of support except for what comes from within.”

New England fell to 5-9 as Miami completed its first sweep over the Patriots since 1984.

Smith rushed for 62 yards in 21 carries, scoring on runs of one, seven and two yards to match a team record accomplished 12 times for rushing touchdowns in a game.

Marino hit 21 of 32 passes, including completions of 36 and 35 yards to Fred Banks on a touchdown drive that gave Miami a 28-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. Each of the Dolphins’ first two touchdowns was set up by two Marino third-down completions.

New England’s only touchdown came on a one-yard run by Stephens that capped an 80-yard drive in the third quarter.