OVERVIEW: The quarterback was different, but the result was pretty much the same. Miami committed three costly turnovers in a 20-10 loss to the surging New England Patriots on Sunday. Dolphins Coach Nick Saban finally benched a struggling, still gimpy QB Daunte Culpepper — citing a bruised right shoulder and a further lack of mobility because of the 21 sacks he’s absorbed in the first four games — and started former Lions bust Joey Harrington.
TURNING POINT: Trailing 13-10 early in the fourth quarter, but clearly outplaying the Patriots, Harrington was facing a third-and-5 from the Dolphins’ 17. The pass rushers were coming, causing Harrington to rush a bullet pass over the middle to a crossing Wes Welker, who reached back and inadvertently deflected the ball to New England CB Asante Samuel.
Samuel returned it to Dolphins’ 24. Four plays later, New England QB Tom Brady threw a 1-yard TD pass to FB Heath Evans to give the Pats a 20-10 lead with 9:51 remaining.
UNSUNG HERO: Samuel, the former UCF standout, had the game of his four-year career, picking off two passes to go with six tackles — including a tackle of Ronnie Brown for a 3-yard loss in the fourth quarter.
KEY INJURIES: Dolphins receiver Marty Booker sustained a left shoulder and pectoral muscle injury. Cornerback Travis Daniels injured his right knee. Both will undergo MRIs today.
LOOKING AHEAD: The 1-4 Dolphins travel to the Meadowlands to take on the 2-3 Jets. The 4-1 Patriots are off before playing at Buffalo on Oct. 22.
