2011 Miami Dolphins season

46th season in franchise history March 2026 December 2022 December 2013 Miami Dolphins 2011 6–10 3rd AFC East Tony Sparano (fired on December 12; 4–9 record)Todd Bowles (interim; 2–1 record) Jeff Ireland Sun Life Stadium Did not qualify T Jake LongWR Brandon MarshallDT Paul Soliai Dolphins seasons The 2011 season was the Miami Dolphins' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 46th overall, and their fourth and final season under head coach Tony Sparano.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d84147/article/sparano-told-hell-stay-with-dolphins-despite-harbaugh-talks?module=HP_headlines Sparano told he'll stay with Dolphins despite Harbaugh talks National Football League Wire Reports January 6, 2011 April 27, 2013 November 6, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121106110748/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d84147/article/sparano-told-hell-stay-with-dolphins-despite-harbaugh-talks?module=HP_headlines dead The Dolphins made their first-round selection with the 15th pick of the 2011 NFL draft on Florida center Mike Pouncey. The team lost each of their first seven games but went 6–3 in their final nine to finish with an overall 6–10 record. However, this result failed to improve on their record from 2010, and Sparano was fired on December 12. Assistant head coach and secondary coach Todd Bowles served as interim head coach for the final three games. 3 Offseason 2011 NFL draft 2011 NFL draft DraftKing.com, NFLMocks.com, and The Palm Beach Post predicted that the Dolphins would use their first round pick to choose Gabe Carimi, a left tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers who won the 2010 Outland Trophy as the nation's top collegiate interior lineman, and was a Consensus All-American.http://nflmocks.com/2011/02/16/mock-my-mock-1st-round/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110714180158/http://nflmocks.com/2011/02/16/mock-my-mock-1st-round/ July 14, 2011 1st Round « NFL Mocks | Covering the 2011 NFL Draft February 16, 2011 NFLmocks February 18, 2011https://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2011/03/15/mock-draft-v-20-predicting-the-first-round-of-the-2011-nfl-draft/ Mock Draft v. 2.0: Predicting the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft The Palm Beach Post The Daily Dolphin Ben Volin March 14, 2011 March 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110319035842/http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2011/03/15/mock-draft-v-20-predicting-the-first-round-of-the-2011-nfl-draft/ March 19, 2011 live mdy-all Charles Davis of NFL.com predicted they would draft Mark Ingram II from the University of Alabama.https://www.nfl.com/news/post-combine-projection-has-panthers-taking-aim-at-newton-09000d5d81e9431a Post-combine projection has Panthers taking aim at Newton Nfl.com March 2, 2011 Charles Davis March 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110307195111/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e9431a/article/postcombine-projection-has-panthers-taking-aim-at-newton March 7, 2011 live 2011 Miami Dolphins 1 15 Mike Pouncey C Florida yes yes 2 62 Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State Pick from DENThe Dolphins traded its second-round selection (#46 overall) and a 2010 second-round selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for WR Brandon Marshall. drThe Dolphins traded its third-round selection (#79 overall), fifth-round selection (#146 overall) and a seventh-round selection (#217 overall) to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a second-round selection (#62 overall). dr yes 4 111 Edmond Gates WR Abilene Christian 6 174 Charles Clay FB/TE Tulsa Pick from GBThe Dolphins traded its sixth-round selection (#179 overall) and seventh-round selection (#218 overall) to the Green Bay Packers for their sixth-round selection (#174 overall) and seventh-round selection (#231 overall). dr yes 7 231 Frank Kearse DT Alabama A&M Pick from JACThe Dolphins acquired this seventh-round selection (#218 overall) in a May 2010 trade that sent G Justin Smiley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. dr 7 235 Jimmy Wilson CB Montana CompensatoryCompensatory selection dr yes "dr" Personnel changes Brian Daboll joined the team as offensive coordinator. Karl Dorrell moved to quarterbacks coach from wide receivers coach. Jeff Nixon wasadded as the running backs coach. Steve Bush moved to wide receivers coach from offensive quality control. Ike Hilliard was added as an assistant wide receivers coach. Dan Campbell moved to tight ends coach from intern. Bryan Cox was added as a defensive pass rush coach. Roster changes Re-signings March 4 — Re-signed guard Richie Incognito three yearshttp://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/dolphins-resign-lineman-richie-incognito-place-free-agent-1296300.html March 4, 2011 March 5, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110305185548/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/dolphins-resign-lineman-richie-incognito-place-free-agent-1296300.html Ben Volin Dolphins resign lineman Richie Incognito, place free-agent tender on backup QB Tyler Thigpen July 30 — Re-signed defensive end Tony McDaniel two yearshttp://www.thephinsider.com/2011/7/28/2299444/dolphins-wednesday-recap Dolphins' Wednesday Recap July 28, 2011 August 14, 2011 November 16, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111116061806/http://www.thephinsider.com/2011/7/28/2299444/dolphins-wednesday-recap live August 5 — Re-signed offensive tackle Nate Garner, running back Lex Hilliard, offensive tackle Lydon Murtha, running back Kory Sheetshttp://insidepulse.com/2011/08/09/nfl-team-transactions-from-august-as-of-august-8-1000-pm-et/ NFL: Team Transactions From August as of August 8, 10:00 PM ET - Inside Pulse insidepulse.com August 9, 2011 August 14, 2011 August 30, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110830053351/http://insidepulse.com/2011/08/09/nfl-team-transactions-from-august-as-of-august-8-1000-pm-et/ live Signings July 26 — Signed quarterback Pat DevlinStaff Inquirer QB Pat Devlin signs with Miami Dolphins https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/sportsinq/QB-Pat-Devlin-signs-with-Miami-Dolphins.html 2023-02-03 inquirer.com en February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203123445/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/sportsinq/QB-Pat-Devlin-signs-with-Miami-Dolphins.html live July 29 — Signed linebacker Kevin Burnett2011-07-30 Source: Dolphins sign LB Kevin Burnett https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6818378 2024-12-29 ESPN.com Associated Press en July 30 — Signed linebacker Jason Trusnik,https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/dolphins-bolster-defense-by-signing-tony-mcdaniel-jason-trusnik/2011/07/30/gIQAbrB9iI_story.html Jason Trusnik The Washington Post quarterback Matt Moorehttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/07/matt-moore-is-headed-to-the-dolphins.html Los Angeles Times The Fabulous Forum July 29, 2011 August 14, 2011 July 30, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110730185128/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/07/matt-moore-is-headed-to-the-dolphins.html live July 31 — Signed defensive end Ronald Fieldshttp://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-07-31/sports/sfl-miami-dolphins-sign-ronald-fields-11_1_miami-dolphins-sign-frank-kearse-sparano Miami Dolphins sign defensive lineman Ronald Fields Andrew Carter August 14, 2011 September 13, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120913044540/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-07-31/sports/sfl-miami-dolphins-sign-ronald-fields-11_1_miami-dolphins-sign-frank-kearse-sparano dead August 1 — Signed offensive tackle Marc Colombohttp://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-08-01/sports/sfl-miami-dolphins-sign-marc-colombo-0801_1_vernon-carey-tony-sparano-dolphins Dolphins sign Marc Colombo, leave Vernon Carey in limbo Omar Kelly August 14, 2011 September 13, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120913044527/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-08-01/sports/sfl-miami-dolphins-sign-marc-colombo-0801_1_vernon-carey-tony-sparano-dolphins dead August 2 — Signed linebacker Jason Taylorhttp://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/sfl-jason-taylor-miami-dolphins-reunite-0801,0,5943424.story Chicago Tribune Jason Taylor May 2013 August 5 — Signed quarterback Kevin O'ConnellGalicia Thomas Miami Dolphins Sign Former Jets and Patriots Backup QB Kevin O'Connell https://bleacherreport.com/articles/793695-miami-dolphins-sign-former-jets-and-patriots-backup-qb-kevin-oconnell 2023-02-03 Bleacher Report en February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203120526/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/793695-miami-dolphins-sign-former-jets-and-patriots-backup-qb-kevin-oconnell live August 6 — Signed offensive tackle Ray WillisNelson Chris J. Miami Dolphins Sign OT Ray Willis; Work out QB Troy Smith https://bleacherreport.com/articles/794326-miami-dolphins-sign-ot-ray-willis-work-out-qb-troy-smith 2023-02-03 Bleacher Report en February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203095337/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/794326-miami-dolphins-sign-ot-ray-willis-work-out-qb-troy-smith live August 9 — Signed linebacker David Nixon, cornerback K.J. GerardNelson Chris J. Miami Dolphins Sign DB K. J. Gerard, LB David Nixon https://bleacherreport.com/articles/799255-miami-dolphins-sign-db-k-j-gerard-lb-david-nixon 2023-02-03 Bleacher Report en February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203121410/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/799255-miami-dolphins-sign-db-k-j-gerard-lb-david-nixon live August 15 — Signed wide receiver John Matthews,http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/08/16/dolphins-sign-wr-matthews ProFootballWeekly.com - Dolphins sign WR Matthews 2011-08-24 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120406023527/http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/08/16/dolphins-sign-wr-matthews April 6, 2012 mdy linebacker Marvin Mitchellhttps://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2011/08/15/miami-dolphins-talking-points-for-the-2nd-straight-year-the-better-qb-may-be-on-the-bench/ Miami Dolphins Talking Points: For the 2nd straight year, the better QB may be on the bench The Daily Dolphin 2011-08-24 live https://web.archive.org/web/20111007020552/http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2011/08/15/miami-dolphins-talking-points-for-the-2nd-straight-year-the-better-qb-may-be-on-the-bench/ October 7, 2011 mdy August 22 — Signed guard Tyler Donohue August 23 — Signed running back Larry JohnsonMurray Rob Miami Dolphins Sign Running Back Larry Johnson https://bleacherreport.com/articles/818759-miami-dolphins-sign-running-back-larry-johnson 2023-02-03 Bleacher Report en February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203095339/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/818759-miami-dolphins-sign-running-back-larry-johnson live August 29 — Signed safety Gerald Alexander September 4 — Signed tight end Will Yeatmanhttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-miami-dolphins-0905-20110904,0,5286436.story Miami Dolphins plan to keep churning the roster, as usual - Sun Sentinel www.sun-sentinel.com 26 January 2022 https://archive.today/20130203112304/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-miami-dolphins-0905-20110904,0,5286436.story 3 February 2013 dead September 5 — Signed tight end Dante Rosario and center/guard Ryan Cook September 8 — Signed running back Larry Johnson September 14 — Signed cornerback Will AllenWill Allen Signs With Miami Dolphins https://cuse.com/news/2006/3/21/0321Allen 2023-02-03 Syracuse University Athletics en February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203095345/https://cuse.com/news/2006/3/21/0321Allen live September 20 — Signed defensive end Igor Olshansky and cornerback Nate Joneshttps://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-sign-dl-olshansky-cb-jones-to-shore-up-defense-09000d5d8226c540 Dolphins sign DL Olshansky, CB Jones to shore up defense NFL.com September 23, 2011 September 24, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110924182133/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8226c540/article/dolphins-sign-dl-olshansky-cb-jones-to-shore-up-defense live September 28 — Signed running back Steve Slatonhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/with-dolphins-still-winless-reggie-bush-knows-the-time-is-now-to-turn-things-around/2011/09/28/gIQAISPO5K_story.html With Dolphins still winless, Reggie Bush knows the time is now to turn things around The Washington Post October 6 — Signed quarterback Sage Rosenfelshttp://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/32540035 Dolphins ink Sage Rosenfels, Henne done for year https://web.archive.org/web/20111008173803/http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/32540035 October 8, 2011 Departures July 29 — UFA quarterback Tyler Thigpen,Rosenthal Gregg 2011-07-27 Tyler Thigpen headed to Buffalo https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/26/tyler-thigpen-headed-to-buffalo/ 2023-02-03 ProFootballTalk en-US February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203094500/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/26/tyler-thigpen-headed-to-buffalo/ live UFA quarterback Chad Penningtonhttp://www.wvmetronews.com/marshall.cfm?func%3Ddisplayfullstory%26storyid%3D47064 Pennington Gets New Gig - Marshall University News, Scores and Coverage from WVMETRONEWS.COM 2011-08-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120329152127/http://www.wvmetronews.com/marshall.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=47064 March 29, 2012 mdy August 2 — UFA running back Ronnie Brown,https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/42767 Eagles sign running back Ronnie Brown August 2, 2011 ESPN.com November 2, 2018 February 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230204204725/https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/42767 live Released linebacker Channing Crowderhttps://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/linebacker-channing-crowder-released-by-the-miami-dolphins-1719176.html Linebacker Channing Crowder, released by the Miami Dolphins, retires at 27. https://web.archive.org/web/20121011143928/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/football/linebacker-channing-crowder-released-by-the-miami-/nLwsh/ 2012-10-11 2023-01-06 August 3 — Terminated the contract of linebacker Tim Dobbinshttp://www.thephinsider.com/2011/8/1/2310203/the-dolphins-waived-tim-dobbins-his-contract-was-terminated-he-was The Dolphins waived Tim Dobbins. His contract was terminated. He was due $1.5 in 2011 and was... August 1, 2011 August 14, 2011 March 30, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120330182651/http://www.thephinsider.com/2011/8/1/2310203/the-dolphins-waived-tim-dobbins-his-contract-was-terminated-he-was live August 8 — UFA running back Ricky Williamshttp://articles.philly.com/2011-08-09/sports/29867512_1_borderline-personality-disorder-ronnie-brown-fan-appreciation Archives - Philly.com The Philadelphia Inquirer August 14, 2011 September 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120903022900/http://articles.philly.com/2011-08-09/sports/29867512_1_borderline-personality-disorder-ronnie-brown-fan-appreciation dead August 15 — Waived wide receiver Brooks Foster August 23 — Waived running back Kory Sheets August 26 — Waived corner back K.J. Gerard, defensive tackle Johnny Jones, corner back Jose Perez August 27 — Waived/Injured linebacker Mike Rivera August 30 — Waived tackle Tyler Donahue September 2 — Waived tight end Dedrick Epps and wide receiver John Matthews. Terminated contract of safety Gerald Alexander. September 3 — Waived quarterback Kevin O'Connell, safety Mark Restelli, cornerback Vincent Agnew, tight end Brett Brackett, wide receiver Patrick Carter, guard Garrett Chisolm, quarterback Pat Devlin, linebacker Jonathan Freeny, running back Nic Grigsby, tackle D.J. Jones, tackle Matt Kopa, wide receiver Phillip Livas, cornerback Nate Ness, linebacker David Nixon, wide receiver Julius Pruitt, linebacker Robert Rose, tight end Mickey Shuler, and linebacker Quinton Spears. Terminated contracts with corner back Will Allen, nose tackle Ronald Fields, running back Larry Johnson, full back Lousaka Polite, and tackle Ray Willis.Nogle Kevin 2011-09-03 Miami Dolphins Complete Roster Cuts https://www.thephinsider.com/2011/9/3/2403609/miami-dolphins-complete-roster-cuts 2023-02-03 The Phinsider en February 3, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230203095344/https://www.thephinsider.com/2011/9/3/2403609/miami-dolphins-complete-roster-cuts live September 4 — Waived defensive tackle Frank Kearse September 5 — Released linebacker A.J. Edds and terminated the contract of center Joe Berger September 8 — Waived guard Ray Feinga September 13 — Terminated the contract of corner back Benny Sapp September 20 — Terminated the contracts of running back Larry Johnson and tight end Dante Rosario September 28 — Cut defensive end Ryan Baker Trades July 29 — Traded reserve safety Jonathon Amaya and an exchange of undisclosed draft picks for running back Reggie Bushhttp://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6811714 Bush dealt to Dolphins, agrees to two-year deal July 28, 2011 ESPN.com November 2, 2018 May 7, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190507231621/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6811714 live Team captains The team voted the following as their 2011 team captains. Offense Chad Henne Jake Long Defense Yeremiah Bell Karlos Dansby Special teams Head coach Tony Sparano decided that the special teams captain would be selected on week to week basis.http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/09/09/2398895/henne-elected-dolphins-captain.html Henne Elected Dolphins Captain Miami Herald June 2023 Staff Miami Dolphins 2011 staff Front office Chairman/managing general partner – Stephen Ross Vice chairman/partner – Jorge Perez Vice chairman – Don Shula CEO – Mike Dee General manager – Jeff Ireland Senior vice president of football operations – Dawn Aponte Director of player personnel – Brian Gaine Director of college scouting – Chris Grier Assistant director of pro scouting – Chris Shea Head coaches Interim head coach/secondary – Todd Bowles Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Brian Daboll Quarterbacks – Karl Dorrell Running backs – Jeff Nixon Wide receivers – Steve Bush Assistant wide receivers – Ike Hilliard Tight ends – Dan Campbell Offensive line – Dave DeGuglielmo Offensive quality control – Tony Sparano, Jr. Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Mike Nolan Defensive line – Kacy Rodgers Pass rush – Bryan Cox Linebackers – Bill Sheridan Assistant linebackers – David Corrao Assistant secondary – Joe Danna Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Darren Rizzi Assistant special teams – Dave Fipp Strength and conditioning Head strength and conditioning – Darren Krein Assistant strength and conditioning – David Puloka Final roster 2011 Miami Dolphins 53 6 8  9 Pat Devlin American football y  6 J. P. Losman  8 Matt Moore American football 22 Reggie Bush 31 Charles Clay American football y FB 26 Lex Hilliard FB 38 Richard Medlin y 23 Steve Slaton 33 Daniel Thomas running back y 15 Davone Bess PR 10 Clyde Gates y KR 82 Brian Hartline 19 Brandon Marshall 11 Julius Pruitt 80 Anthony Fasano 88 Jeron Mastrud 89 Will Yeatman y 61 Will Barker American football T 72 Vernon Carey G 71 Marc Colombo T 62 Ryan Cook American football G 69 Ray Feinga G 75 Nate Garner G/T 68 Richie Incognito G 74 John Jerry G/T 51 Mike Pouncey y C 90 Ryan Baker DE 70 Kendall Langford DE 78 Tony McDaniel NT 97 Phillip Merling DE 98 Jared Odrick DE 94 Randy Starks DE 96 Paul Soliai NT 59 Ikaika Alama-Francis OLB 56 Kevin Burnett ILB 58 Karlos Dansby ILB 50 Marvin Mitchell ILB 53 Austin Spitler ILB 99 Jason Taylor American football OLB 93 Jason Trusnik OLB 91 Cameron Wake OLB 25 Will Allen cornerback CB 37 Yeremiah Bell SS 28 Nolan Carroll CB 30 Chris Clemons safety FS 29 Tyrone Culver FS/SS 21 Vontae Davis CB 20 Reshad Jones FS 24 Sean Smith cornerback CB 27 Jimmy Wilson American football y CB  5 Dan Carpenter K 92 John Denney LS  2 Brandon Fields P  7 Chad Henne QB IR 77 Jake Long T IR 55 Koa Misi OLB IR 14 Marlon Moore WR IR 76 Lydon Murtha T IR 18 Roberto Wallace WR IR 95 Isaako Aaitui y NT 43 Vince Agnew y CB  4 McLeod Bethel-Thompson y QB 32 Marcus Brown cornerback, born 1987 CB 49 Jonathan Freeny y LB 81 Chris Hogan American football y WR 41 Ian Johnson American football RB 40 Anderson Russell S Schedule Preseason thumb|right|The Dolphins' defensive backs huddle during the preseason opener in Atlanta. Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.comrecap 1 August 12, 2011 at Atlanta Falcons W 28–23 1–0 Georgia Dome Recap 2 August 19, 2011 Carolina Panthers W 20–10 2–0 Sun Life Stadium Recap 3 August 27, 2011 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 13–17 2–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap 4 September 1, 2011 Dallas Cowboys W 17–3 3–1 Sun Life Stadium Recap Regular season Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.comrecap 1 September 12, 2011 New England Patriots L 24–38 0–1 Sun Life Stadium Recap 2 September 18 Houston Texans L 13–23 0–2 Sun Life Stadium Recap 3 September 25 at Cleveland Browns L 16–17 0–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 4 October 2 at San Diego Chargers L 16–26 0–4 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 5 Bye 6 October 17, 2011 at New York Jets L 6–24 0–5 MetLife Stadium Recap 7 October 23 Denver Broncos L 15–18 (OT) 0–6 Sun Life Stadium Recap 8 October 30 at New York Giants L 17–20 0–7 MetLife Stadium Recap 9 November 6 at Kansas City Chiefs W 31–3 1–7 Arrowhead Stadium Recap 10 November 13 Washington Redskins W 20–9 2–7 Sun Life Stadium Recap 11 November 20 Buffalo Bills W 35–8 3–7 Sun Life Stadium Recap 12 November 24 at Dallas Cowboys L 19–20 3–8 Cowboys Stadium Recap 13 December 4 Oakland Raiders W 34–14 4–8 Sun Life Stadium Recap 14 December 11 Philadelphia Eagles L 10–26 4–9 Sun Life Stadium Recap 15 December 18 at Buffalo Bills W 30–23 5–9 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap 16 December 24, 2011 at New England Patriots L 24–27 5–10 Gillette Stadium Recap 17 January 1 New York Jets W 19–17 6–10 Sun Life Stadium Recap Game summaries Week 1: vs. New England Patriots Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary September 12 7:00 p.m. EDT Patriots 7 7 14 10 Dolphins 7 0 10 7 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 66,860 82 F C 1 or, partly cloudy Pete Morelli ESPN Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden & Ron Jaworski, Suzy Kolber & Wendi Nix First quarter MIA – Chad Henne 9-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 7–0, Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 7:18. NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 4-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:28. Second quarter NE – Rob Gronkowski 10-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 14–7, Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:54 Third quarter MIA – Brian Hartline 10-yard reception from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Tied 14–14, Drive: 2 plays, 9 yards, 0:44 NE – Wes Welker 2-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 21–14, Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:06 MIA – Dan Carpenter 20-yard field goal, Patriots 21–17, Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:47. NE – Aaron Hernandez 1-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 28–17, Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:26 Fourth quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 20-yard field goal, Patriots 31–17, Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:35. NE – Wes Welker 99-yard reception from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 38–17, Drive: 1 plays, 99 yards, 0:13 MIA – Reggie Bush 2-yard reception from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick), Patriots 38–24, Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 2:05 Top passers NE – Tom Brady – 32/48, 517 yards, 4 TDs MIA – Chad Henne – 30/49, 416 yards, 2 TDs Top rushers NE – Danny Woodhead – 14 rushes, 69 yards MIA – Chad Henne – 7 rushes, 59 yards, 1 TD Top receivers NE – Wes Welker – 8 receptions, 160 yards, 2 TDs MIA – Brandon Marshall – 7 receptions, 139 yards Top tacklers NE – Devin McCourty – 10 tackles, 1 assist MIA – Reshad Jones – 8 tackles, 4 assists The Dolphins began their 2011 campaign at home, for a Week 1 AFC East duel with the New England Patriots in the first game of Monday Night Football's doubleheader. Miami delivered the game's opening splash with a 9-yard touchdown run from quarterback Chad Henne. The Patriots answered with running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 4-yard touchdown run. New England took the lead in the second quarter as quarterback Tom Brady completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Dolphins struck back in the third quarter as Henne found wide receiver Brian Hartline on a 10-yard touchdown pass, but New England came right back with Brady completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker. Miami replied with a 20-yard field goal from kicker Dan Carpenter, but the Patriots came right back with Brady completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez. New England added onto their in the fourth quarter as kicker Stephen Gostkowski got a 20-yard field goal, followed by Brady completing a 99-yard touchdown pass to Welker. The Dolphins would close out the game with Henne finding running back Reggie Bush on a 2-yard touchdown pass. With the loss, Miami began their season at 0–1. Week 2: vs. Houston Texans Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary September 18 4:15 p.m. EDT Texans 6 10 0 7 Dolphins 3 0 7 3 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 51,032 87 F C 1 or, sunny John Parry CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers HOU – Matt Schaub 21/29 230 Yds 2 TD MIA – Chad Henne 12/30 170 Yds 1 TD 1 Int. Top rushers HOU – Ben Tate 23 Rushes 103 Yds 4.5 Avg 16 MIA – Daniel Thomas 18 Rushes 107 Yds. 5.9 Avg 14 Top receivers HOU – Andre Johnson 7 Rec 93 Yds 13.3 Avg 43 Lng 1 TD MIA – Brandon Marshall 6 Rec 79 Yds 13.2 Avg 29 Lng 1 TD Top tacklers HOU – Brian Cushing 7 Tack 3 Ast MIA – Randy Starks 6 Tack 0 Ast With the loss, the Dolphins dropped to 0–2. Week 3: at Cleveland Browns Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns – Game summary September 25 1:00 p.m. EDT Dolphins 7 3 3 3 Browns 0 7 3 7 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 66,651 70 F C 1 or, sunny Walt Anderson CBS Don Criqui and Randy Cross First quarter MIA (8:09) – Daniel Thomas 10 yd pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick). (MIA 7-0) Drive: 4 plays, 43 yds, 1:56 Second quarter CLE (7:16) – Joshua Cribbs 33 yd pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick). (Tied 7-7) Drive: 6 plays, 59 yds, 2:43 MIA (0:27) – Dan Carpenter 23 yd field goal. (MIA 10-7) Drive: 11 plays, 75 yds, 3:38 Third quarter CLE (10:37) – Phil Dawson 30 yd field goal. (Tied 10-10) Drive: 9 plays, 68 yds, 4:23 MIA (2:29) – Dan Carpenter 41 yd field goal. (MIA 13-10) Drive: 14 plays, 70 yds, 8:08 Fourth quarter MIA (3:23) – Dan Carpenter 38 yd field goal. (MIA 16-10) Drive: 8 plays, 39 yds, 2:57 CLE (0:43) – Mohamed Massaquoi 14 yd pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick) (CLE 17-16) Drive: 13 plays, 80 yds, 2:40 Top passers MIA – Chad Henne 19/29, 255 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT CLE – Colt McCoy 19/39, 210 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT Top rushers MIA – Daniel Thomas 23 carr, 95 yds CLE – Montario Hardesty 14 carr, 67 yds Top receivers MIA – Brian Hartline 4 rec, 87 yds CLE – Benjamin Watson 5 rec, 64 yds Top tacklers MIA – Will Allen 5 tackles CLE – Ahtyba Rubin 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–3. Week 4: at San Diego Chargers Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 2 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 p.m. PDT Dolphins 7 3 3 3 Chargers 7 6 10 3 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 63,002 84 F C 1 or, sunny Jeff Triplette CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – Matt More SD – Philp Rivers Top rushers MIA – SD – Top receivers MIA – SD – Top tacklers MIA – SD – With the loss, the Dolphins went into their bye week 0–4. Week 6: at New York Jets Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Game summary October 17 8:30 p.m. EDT Dolphins 3 3 0 0 Jets 7 7 3 7 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey 78,912 62 F C 1 or, clear Tony Corrente ESPN Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Suzy Kolber First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – Matt Moore- 16/34, 204, 2INT NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 14/25, 201 yards, 1TD Top rushers MIA – Reggie Bush- 10 rushes, 71 yards NYJ – Shonn Greene- 21 rushes, 74 yards Top receivers MIA – Brandon Marshall- 6 receptions, 106 yards NYJ – Santonio Holmes- 3 receptions, 63 yards, 1TD Top tacklers MIA – Yeremiah Bell- 7 tackles NYJ – Jim Leonhard- 7 tackles Calvin Pace- 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–5. Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins – Game summary October 23 1:00 p.m. EDT Broncos 0 0 0 15 3 Dolphins 0 6 0 9 0 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 63,800 77 F C or, sunny Clete Blakeman CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers DEN – MIA – Top rushers DEN – MIA – Top receivers DEN – MIA – Top tacklers DEN – MIA – The Broncos overcame a 15–0 fourth-quarter deficit and won on a game-winning field goal in overtime. With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–6 and recorded their first home loss to the Broncos in eight meetings.Miami Dolphins vs. Denver Broncos https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/miami-dolphins/teamvsteam?opp=10&ha=H The Football Database Week 8: at New York Giants Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: Miami Dolphins at New York Giants – Game summary October 30 1:00 p.m. EDT Dolphins 7 7 3 0 Giants 3 7 0 10 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey 79,302 45 F C 1 or, sunny Ron Winter CBS Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – NYG – Top rushers MIA – NYG – Top receivers MIA – NYG – Top tacklers MIA – NYG – With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–7. Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary November 6 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Dolphins 7 7 14 3 Chiefs 3 0 0 0 Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 72,263 62 F C 1 or, cloudy Walt Anderson CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – KC – Top rushers MIA – KC – Top receivers MIA – KC – Top tacklers MIA – KC – With the win, the Dolphins improved to 1–7 and made the Colts the only winless team. Week 10: vs. Washington Redskins Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins – Game summary November 13 1:00 p.m. EST Redskins 3 3 3 0 Dolphins 7 3 3 7 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 57,007 79 F C 1 or, mostly cloudy Carl Cheffers Fox Chris Myers & Tim Ryan First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers WAS – MIA – Top rushers WAS – MIA – Top receivers WAS – MIA – Top tacklers WAS – MIA – With the win, the Dolphins improved to 2–7. Week 11: vs. Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary November 20 1:00 p.m. EST Bills 3 3 0 2 Dolphins 14 14 7 0 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 57,531 80 F C 1 or, mostly cloudy Walt Coleman CBS Marv Albert and Rich Gannon First quarter BUF – Dave Rayner 30-yard field goal, Bills 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:47. MIA – Anthony Fasano 10-yard reception from Matt Moore (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 7–3, Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 6:45 MIA – Reggie Bush 5-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 14–3, Drive: 4 plays, 59 yards, 1:40. Second quarter MIA – Charles Clay 12-yard reception from Matt Moore (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 21–3, Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:09 MIA – Davone Bess 4-yard reception from Matt Moore (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 28–3, Drive: 5 plays, 4 yards, 0:32 BUF – Dave Rayner 56-yard field goal, Dolphins 28–6, Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 1:36. Third quarter MIA – Lex Hilliard recovered blocked punt in the end zone (Shayne Graham kick), Dolphins 35–6 Fourth quarter BUF – Daniel Thomas tackled in end zone by Kelvin Sheppard, Safety Top passers BUF – MIA – Top rushers BUF – MIA – Top receivers BUF – MIA – Top tacklers BUF – MIA – Coming off their win over the Redskins, the Dolphins stayed at home for a Week 11 AFC East showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Miami trailed early in the first quarter as Bills kicker Dave Rayner made a 30-yard field goal, yet the Dolphins immediately answered with quarterback Matt Moore finding tight end Anthony Fasano on a 1-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Reggie Bush. Miami would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Moore connecting with fullback Charles Clay on a 12-yard touchdown pass, followed by wide receiver Davone Bess on a 4-yard touchdown pass. Buffalo would close out the half with Rayner booting a 56-yard field goal. The Dolphins continued their dominating day in the third quarter with running back Lex Hilliard recovering a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown (the team's first TD off of a blocked punt since 1990). The Bills tried to rally as linebacker Kelvin Sheppard tackled rookie running back Daniel Thomas in the endzone for a safety, but Miami's lead proved to be too much to overcome. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 3–7. This game also marked the first time since 1990 that Miami allowed 10 points or fewer in three straight games. They became the third team in NFL history to win 3 straight after starting the season at least 0–7 (1978 Cardinals and 1986 Colts).http://thefinsiders.com/blog/2011/game-recap-dolphins-35-bills-8 Game Recap: Dolphins 35, Bills 8 « Dolphins Digital – Assets thefinsiders.com November 20, 2011 November 23, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111123192750/http://thefinsiders.com/blog/2011/game-recap-dolphins-35-bills-8 live Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary November 24 4:15 p.m. EST/3:15 p.m. CST Dolphins 3 3 10 3 Cowboys 0 10 0 10 Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas 87,418 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Pete Morelli CBS Jim Nantz & Phil Simms First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – DAL – Top rushers MIA – DAL – Top receivers MIA – DAL – Top tacklers MIA – DAL – Coming off their win over the Bills, the Dolphins flew to Cowboys Stadium for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Miami delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Shayne Graham, but the Cowboys answered in the second quarter with kicker Dan Bailey getting a 32-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laurent Robinson. The Dolphins would close out the half with a 28-yard field goal from Graham. Miami would regain the lead in the third quarter with a 27-yard field goal from Graham, followed by quarterback Matt Moore finding wide receiver Brandon Marshall on a 35-yard field goal. Dallas struck back in the fourth quarter with Romo completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to Robinson. The Dolphins would reply with a 23-yard field goal from Graham, but the Cowboys got the last laugh with Bailey nailing the game-winning 28-yard field goal. With the loss, Miami fell to 3–8. Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – Game summary December 4 1:00 p.m. EST Raiders 0 0 0 14 Dolphins 6 7 21 0 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 57,225 80 F C 1 or, sunny Mike Carey CBS Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers OAK – MIA – Top rushers OAK – MIA – Top receivers OAK – MIA – Top tacklers OAK – MIA – With the win, the Dolphins improved to 4–8. Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins – Game summary December 11 1:00 p.m. EST Eagles 0 24 0 2 Dolphins 7 0 3 0 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 67,823 75 F C 1 or, cloudy Ron Winter Fox Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers PHI – MIA – Top rushers PHI – MIA – Top receivers PHI – MIA – Top tacklers PHI – MIA – With the loss, the Dolphins dropped to 4–9, and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. One day later (December 12), head coach Tony Sparano was fired and replaced by assistant coach Todd Bowles on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. Week 15: at Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary December 18 1:00 p.m. EST Dolphins 0 13 7 10 Bills 7 0 0 16 Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York 60,988 31 F C 1 or, cloudy/snow John Parry CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – BUF – Top rushers MIA – BUF – Top receivers MIA – BUF – Top tacklers MIA – BUF – Week 16: at New England Patriots Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary December 24 1:00 p.m. EST Dolphins 3 14 0 7 Patriots 0 0 17 10 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts 68,756 30 F C 1 or, sunny and cold Alberto Riveron CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers MIA – NE – Top rushers MIA – NE – Top receivers MIA – NE – Top tacklers MIA – NE – Week 17: vs. New York Jets Miami Dolphins 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seventeen: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary January 1 1:00 p.m. EST Jets 7 3 0 7 Dolphins 3 3 0 13 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 65,811 78 F C 1 or, sunny Jerome Boger CBS Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers NYJ – Mark Sanchez 21/32, 207 yds, 2 TDs MIA – Matt Moore 22/32, 135 yds, 1 TD Top rushers NYJ – L. Tomlinson 11 rushes, 56 yds MIA – Steve Slaton 11 rushes, 55 yds Top receivers NYJ – Jeremy Kerley 4 receptions, 71 yds MIA – Brandon Marshall 5 receptions, 50 yds Top tacklers NYJ – MIA – The Dolphins closed out their season with a 19–17 win over the Jets that knocked the Jets out of playoff contention. The Dolphins intercepted Mark Sanchez three times and limited him to 235 passing yards. The win was the 400th in Miami Dolphins franchise history and the final game for Jason Taylor, held to one tackle in the game; he recovered what was initially ruled a fumble by the Jets and raced to a touchdown, but the score was nullified when the ball was ruled down by contact. Standings References 30em Miami Category:Miami Dolphins seasons Miami Dolphins