Patriots vs. Dolphins: Quick Hits

MIAMI -- What started as a dream beginning to the 2010 season for the Miami Dolphins with two big road wins at Buffalo and Minnesota quickly became a nightmare Monday night thanks to poor special teams play against the New England Patriots in a 41-14 rout.

Miami watched a 7-6 halftime lead quickly turn into a 34-14 deficit with most of the fourth quarter still to be played. Suddenly, prime time became panic time for the free-falling Dolphins.

The Patriots blocked a punt and a field goal -- the blocked field goal returned 35 yards for a touchdown by Kyle Arrington. The Patriots also got a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Brandon Tate.

Quick Hits:

• Ex-Dolphins linebacker Rob Ninkovich had a career night against his former team as he intercepted Miami quarterback Chad Henne two times and sacked him once.

• New England managed to leave South Florida with a win despite Randy Moss being held without a catch.

• On the flip side, Miami's top receiver, Brandon Marshall, did not catch a pass in the first half but got more involved in the offense in the second half after the Dolphins fell behind.

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• Davone Bess was one bright spot for the Dolphins as he was the team's leading receiver on the night and also caught his first touchdown pass of the season.

• Patriots running back Danny Woodhead sent a message to the New York Jets, who released him the first week of the season, by running strong and catching an 11-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady in the third quarter.

• Patrick Chung gave Ninkovich a run for defensive player of the night when he picked off Henne early in the fourth quarter and returned it 51 yards for the touchdown that really sent the home fans rushing for the exits. Chung also blocked two kicks in the game.

• Both teams have a bye next week, but for the Dolphins it will not be too enjoyable, as they will have to mull over this loss and then get ready for a tough road game at the Green Bay Packers.

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New England Patriots' Pat Chung, right, blocks an attempted field goal by Miami Dolphins' Dan Carpenter (5) during the second half of an NFL football game in Miami, Monday, Oct. 4, 2010. The holder is Brandon Fields. The Patriots won 41-14. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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