The 49ers had 318 total yards of offense.

The Dolphins had 248.

The 49ers had 112 rushing yards.

The Dolphins had 98.

The 49ers went 8 of 17 on 3rd downs.

The Dolphins went 1 of 7.

The 49ers had the ball for 38:13.

The Dolphins for 21:47.

The 49ers had only 4 penalties for 22 yards.

The Dolphins had 8 penalties for 66 yards.

The 49ers had 24 first downs.

The Dolphins had 11.

The 49ers ran 79 plays.

The Dolphins ran 42.

There were no turnovers in the game, so by looking at the stat sheet, one would assume the Dolphins got handled and lost. But the stat that matters most, the score, had the Dolphins winning this game 14-9.

The 49ers simply could not finish drives, settling for three field goals, while the Dolphins scored two touchdowns. And that is the difference in the game. Sometimes stats are misleading and they were very misleading in this one. The defense, playing a bend but don't break style, allowed the 49ers to control the ball and control the clock, but tightened up when it mattered most. In the red zone.

The Dolphins offense, after some big plays early on, started to dink and dunk their way into a coma. Not scoring a single point in the second half. Tight end Joey Haynos, whoever that is, caught the game winning touchdown in the 2nd quarter.

It was the oddest way for a team that went 1-15 last year to win it's 9th game this year, guaranteeing a winning season. But it is what it is and the results are what they are.

The Dolphins are sitting at 9-5 and in the driver's seat to win the AFC East and get into the playoffs.

But if there is a next time for them to only control the ball for 21 minutes and go 1 of 7 on third downs, then they will probably play themselves right out of the playoffs, even if it is against a team like the lowly Chiefs.

Here's hoping Tony Sparano doesn't let this slide.

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Miami's offense sputtered pretty much all game once again, and their defense bent all the way to the red zone, but when you keep the other team out of the end zone you are bound to win.

The 49ers offense hit the Dolphins with many short passes and ended up dominating the time of possession, but the Dolphins defense was relentless. On the final play of the game Joey Porter had his only sack of the game, but it came at the right time on 4th down for the 49ers on our 20 yard line with about a half minute to play. I knew we were going to win it as Hill had not shown the ability to hit anyone 20 yards down the field who was not wide open.

What are the problems offensively for the Dolphins? My guess is that a lot of it is offensive line problems. Chad Pennington stays under pressure and there is little room to run. Injuries along the OL have not helped this team and Pennington's savy has covered over a multitude of problems there. It will take some time and another player or two. We saw Sparano slide Satele over to guard some today. Something is going on there and there is word that the Dolphins are not too thrilled with him even though many analysts have given him some kudos.

So, the Dolphins find themselve still tied with the Jets at 9-5 and the Patriots are handing out a can of whoop right now to the Raiders. We are headed to a real showdown the last game of the season if the Dolphins can beat the Chiefs next week.

And you know what? It looks like the Dolphins could be right in the playoff mix, but Jason Taylor, who demanded a trade out of Miami to a playoff caliber team, lost again today to fall 7-7 in a competitive NFC East division. I think it is very possible that JT could be watching the Dolphins in the playoffs as he finds his season over. Lesson learned.

Be sure to come by tomorrow morning to read Rich's analysis on the game.

Game Balls?

I'm just giving out one and it's to the entire Dolphins defense. Nice job today, fellas!

Game Stats

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Get the latest Miami Dolphins NFL lines at BetUS - America's online sports betting site for football betting and NFL odds and lines.

If you're looking for things to do in Miami FL, check CTC for Miami comedy shows and Miami football schedules. Also buy NFL tickets and college sports tickets, including Miami Dolphins football tickets and cheap Hurricanes football tickets.