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Disappointing Dolphins visit Patriots

Oct 3, 2006 - 11:21 PM Miami (1-3) at New England (3-1) Sunday 1:00 pm EDT

FOXBORO, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- The Miami Dolphins were expected to challenge the New England Patriots for the AFC East title.

However, the Dolphins have been among the biggest disappointments in the league heading into Sunday's matchup at Gilette Stadium.

Under coach Nick Saban, the Dolphins closed last season with a six-game game winning streak, including a 28-26 triumph here in the finale.

The Dolphins gained further momentum in March with the acquisition of three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Daunte Culpepper from Minnesota.

Culpepper underwent major knee surgery last November and has struggled with his mobility behind a suspect offensive line. He has been sacked a league-leading 21 times and has just two touchdown passes and three interceptions in four games.

Last Sunday, Culpepper was sacked five times in a disappointing 17-15 loss at Houston. Miami has failed to score more than 17 points in any of its four games.

Now the Dolphins will try to protect Culpepper against Patriots coach Bill Belichick's well-designed blitz schemes.

Last Sunday, Belichick's defense shut down the high-powered offense of the Cincinnati Bengals in an impressive 38-13 victory. Defensive end Jarvis Green led the way with three sacks.

The Patriots also received a huge effort from their offense against the Bengals. First-round pick Laurence Maroney rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns, Corey Dillon gained 67 with a TD and Tom Brady threw for two scores.

With the Patriots already having secured their third straight division title, Brady only played into the second quarter in last season's finale before being replaced by Matt Cassel.

Brady completed 21-of-36 passes for 275 yards with two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions to lead the Patriots to a 23-16 victory over the Dolphins in the first meeting between the teams last season.

The Dolphins activated running back Sammy Morris from the suspended list for Sunday's game.

Morris was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.