Dolphins Clinging To Playoff Hopes After Victory
MIAMI (CBS4) - The Miami Dolphins' blowout victory of the Oakland Raiders Sunday is likely too little; too late for the Fins' slim playoff chances. Nevertheless, the Fins had plenty to build on from Sunday's game.
Quarterback Chad Henne came back to the starting lineup and played like a second-round draft pick. Henne completed 17 of 30 passes for 307 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Henne spread the ball around well, especially to slot receiver Davone Bess who had 6 catches for 111 yards.
"I was a little more involved yesterday just from blitz and a run game standpoint," head coach Tony Sparano said of his interaction with Henne during the game. "He came off and said, 'I don't really want this.' When he tells you he doesn't want this, I think it's a pretty good idea that you don't give it to him."
But perhaps most encouraging for Dolphins fans was seeing the running game get back into the groove. Ricky Williams carried the ball 20 times and Ronnie Brown carried 24 times for a combined 180 yards and one touchdown.
It was a complete team effort that didn't go unnoticed by Sparano.
"I think that they're (the players) are buying into our message," Sparano said. "I think that they understand that we're trying to build this thing team first. Now we've got to find a way to do it two week in a row."
Sparano indicated that most of the team is healthy, but he didn't have an update on star wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
