Phins' no longer a stepping stone

Phins' new management proved that the franchise's losing ways were a thing of the past. Entering the game as a 9.5 point underdog, little people gave the 0-6 Phins a chance to win against the 4-2 Bengals. But the upset was in the works from the get go.

Both team's D came out tough and forced a few opening punts, then, cutting away from a greatly-timed blitz from safety, Jarius Byrd, Frank Gore sprang an 88 yard run down the right sideline. Miami quickly answered with a long drive finished off by a 5 yard TD run by Best. The Bengals proved hard to contain throughout the remainder of the half; TO busted a 3 yard slant route into an amazing 68 yard TD in which he broke at least 5 tackles. Following a sluggish effort by the Phins' O, Cincy put another 7 on the board with a short goal line fade to Roddy White. Miami had the ball deep with only 8 seconds left and no timeouts. Needing an extra 5 yards for the FG, Clausen and the offense tried to get fancy and connect on the sidelines. They did, Clausen to Higgins for 12 yards, but victim of a great tackle, was down inbounds, thus ending the half.

The 2nd half started with a bang. On their first play from scrimmage Clausen took advantage of a blown coverage by the Bengals and connected on a deep ball to rookie, Golden Tate. Cincy answered with another TD toss from Bradford to White, and from there on out it was all Dolphins. Facing a 3rd and 6 from the Miami 40, the Phins called a draw to Green-Ellis, who broke loose, leaving seven or so tacklers in his wake. 60 yard touchdown and the Phins are within 7. Following a Huff int, Miami was facing yet another 3rd and long near midfield. With the Bengals consistant pressure coming right at him, Clausen connected on a lobb pass over the middle to Hernandez, who broke the tackles of numerous Bengals to break away for the touch down. Tie game. Time ticking down in the 4th and the Bengals are driving. Less than 4 minutes left and they are forced to punt. Miami, on shoulders of rookie, Hernandez, drive down the field and take a 3 point lead with under two minutes left. After a couple first downs, Cincy is faced with a 4th and 9 from midfield, which rookie, Bradford handled with ease, connecting with White near the left hash for a first down. It wasn't untill a few plays later when the rook got a little greedy and short-handed a lob to White in the endzone. McKelvin broke on it, int, game over.

Great game by Bengals, got unlucky in a few spots. Game def. could have gone the other way. But nonetheless, a message was sent out to the entire league: This is not the same 0-6 Dolphins that you saw the first half of the season. Call me Mike Singletary, but I think we got a shot to make a run at the playoffs. <insert Jim Mora quote here> That's right, playoffs.

Miami was the better coached team and deserved that W. Bengals turned the ball over 4 times - Miami none.

The Bengals have a much more talented team - but the Dolphins were far superior in the coaching department.

Nonetheless - very bad loss for the Bengals, very bad.

Nice read bro. Glad to have you

great read sounded like a great game

Dolphins on the board very nice welcome Blaine