MIAMI -- To cap another dismal day for the winless Miami Dolphins, middle linebacker Zach Thomas wrecked his vehicle on the way home from the latest loss.
Thomas' vehicle was damaged when rear-ended on the Florida Turnpike, but he and his wife were unhurt, the team said.
That was the best news of the day for the Dolphins, who were beaten 49-28 by the New England Patriots. Miami fell to 0-7 and lost running back Ronnie Brown and two safeties to injuries.
Brown, one of the team's few bright spots this season, was sidelined when he twisted his right knee in the third quarter, and he's scheduled to undergo an MRI exam Monday. The Dolphins also lost safeties Renaldo Hill (knee) and Courtney Bryan (thigh), further depleting a position plagued by injuries.
Cam Cameron remained winless as an NFL head coach. He said his team continued to give a good effort despite trailing 42-7 at halftime, but guard Rex Hadnot said it's tough to keep trying.
"Human nature would tell you to go in the tank," Hadnot said. "As a professional football player, you've got to push those thoughts aside."
The injuries only deepened the gloomy mood for a team off to the worst start in franchise history.
"I just hope I can come back," Brown said, "not just for myself, but for my team."
The Dolphins need him. Brown has blossomed in his third NFL season and came into the game leading the league in yards from scrimmage. He increased that total to 991, rushing for 76 yards on 17 carries and catching five passes for 33 yards.
Brown hurt his knee chasing Randall Gay on an interception. Several Patriots applauded when Brown rose and limped off the field, and after the game he said the knee didn't hurt much.
"I can put pressure on it and walk around a little bit, but you never know," he said. X-rays were negative.
The injuries to Hill and Bryan forced the Dolphins to dig deeper into the depth chart at safety, where they have used six starters this season. Hill has started every game, and his injury appeared potentially serious.
"Hopefully somebody steps in and steps up, because teams are going to start throwing a lot on us," Thomas said.
Tom Brady threw for 354 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. The Patriots' 49 points were the most ever allowed by the Dolphins at home.
"We've got a lot of issues, none of which I want to sit here and talk about," Miami defensive end Jason Taylor said.
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