Fins' Channing Crowder and Pats' Matt Light Fight, Dance, Laugh

The Dolphins had a chance to go to 7-4, take sole possession of second place in the AFC East, and elbow their way into the wild-card race. Instead, they watched the Patriots rack up 31 second-half points, which included Matt Cassel's second straight 400-yard passing day.

There is no bright spot, however, no moral victory in all this; Miami faded down the stretch, something an aspiring playoff team can't do at this stage of the season. But unlike last year, the Dolphins never quit, even when it was clear the game had long been decided. With the Patriots leading 38-28 and 7:12 to go in the fourth, Stephen Gostkowski converted a 30-yard field goal to make it a 13-point game. Seconds later, Channing Crowder and Matt Light decided to partake in a celebratory dance.

Crowder seemed to have a swell time, laughing as Light flailed away, but ultimately, both players were ejected (thanks, Dierdorf, for the keen observation!). And I suspect both players will also be doing some league-mandated thanksgiving when fines are announced later this week. The prospects of which must have Light all sorts of happy.

via ballhype

Best Images From Week 12

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Antwan Barnes (50) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (36) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, in Baltimore. Baltimore won 36-7.

Rob Carr, AP

Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder, right, and New England Patriots tackle Matt Light fight during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 in Miami. Both were ejected from the game and the Patriots defeated the Dolphins 48-28.

Alan Diaz, AP

Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber (24) is upended by San Francisco corner back Nate Clements (22) after picking up nine yards in the third quarter during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, in Irving, Texas. Looking on are San Francisco linebacker Parys Haralson (98) and San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis (52).

Matt Slocum, AP

Quarterback Trent Edwards #5 of the Buffalo Bills dives with the football into the end zone for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Bills defeated the Chiefs 54-31.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Gage, right, catches a pass for a 37-yard gain as he is defended by New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008. The Jets beat the previously undefeated Titans 34-13.

Mark Humphrey, AP

Linebacker Greg Ellis #98 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a sack against Shaun Hill #13 of the San Francisco 49ers at Texas Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Irving, Texas.

Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

Quarterback Jake Delhomme #17 of the the Carolina Panthers falls to a sack against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on November 23, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers loses his helmet while tackled by Anthony Spencer #93 of the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Irving, Texas.

Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

Running back Marshawn Lynch #23 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by several defenders as he runs with the football against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Bills defeated the Chiefs 54-31.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp, right, grabs the face mask of Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dennis Northcutt during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, in Jacksonville, Fla.

Phil Coale, AP