Carney’s Miss Leaves the Dolphins in Upright Position

MIAMI — For the first time in weeks, the Miami Dolphins found something to celebrate.

San Diego’s John Carney missed a 36-yard field goal attempt with five seconds remaining when the kick hit the left upright, and the Dolphins ended a losing streak at three by beating the Chargers, 12-9.

“We needed this, no doubt,” defensive end Trace Armstrong said. “It’s good to feel good about playing football again.”

Thanks to stout defense and a record-tying performance by kicker Olindo Mare, the Dolphins (9-5) overcame another poor offensive effort and bolstered their wild-card playoff chances.

The victory capped a tumultuous week that included the arrest of rookie running back Cecil Collins on burglary charges and the departure of troubled rookie defensive end Dimitrius Underwood, who was released.

“It was like a soap opera,” middle linebacker Zach Thomas said. “You can get caught up in the distractions, and they can bring down the whole organization. It’s great to get this win.”

Mare made the difference, making all four field goal attempts and increasing his season total to 37, which matches the NFL record set by John Kasay of Carolina in 1996.

Mare had field goals of 32, 21, 30 and 31 yards. His final field goal put the Dolphins ahead with 3:22 to go after they recovered a Jim Harbaugh fumble at the San Diego 20.

With no timeouts left, the Chargers then drove 62 yards into field-goal position with 10 seconds remaining.

Carney had made field goals attempts of 23, 22 and 31 yards. But a swirling wind caught his final kick and pushed it left, ending his streak of 13 consecutive field goals without a miss.

“I didn’t hit it as well as I could have,” he said. “If I drive it a little better, you don’t have to worry about it.”

Last week, Carney kicked four field goals in a 19-16 victory in Seattle in which the Seahawks’ Todd Peterson hit the left upright from 38 yards with 1:10 left.

The Dolphins won for the first time since Dan Marino came back from a neck injury a month ago. He was 22 for 36 for 241 yards and had one turnover, a fourth-quarter fumble at the Miami four. However, the Chargers (6-8) had to settle for a field goal and a 9-6 lead.

“That could have been our season right there if they get in the end zone,” Thomas said.

Miami’s defense allowed only 26 yards rushing and sacked Harbaugh five times.

“They basically won the game for us,” Marino said.

After Mare tied the game, the Dolphins forced the Chargers’ only turnover on the next play.

Harbaugh fumbled when sacked by Rich Owens, Brock Marion recovered and Mare put Miami ahead for good.