Another Game 14 victory but completely different feel for Dolphins

MIAMI -- The Dolphins' 14-9 victory against San Francisco on Sunday was sealed when Joey Porter sacked quarterback Shaun Hill and threw off his helmet, and quarterback Chad Pennington joined the celebration by twirling a towel in the air.

A frenzied crowd left Dolphin Stadium as it did after the 14th game a year ago when Greg Camarillo's 64-yard touchdown pass from Cleo Lemon beat Baltimore 22-16 in overtime.

The reason for the excitement over victories separated by a year clearly defines how far the team has come.

There was a sigh of relief when the Dolphins won their first game last year to avoid becoming the first NFL team to go 0-16.

Sunday, there was an air of anticipation, despite an uninspiring performance, because the Dolphins are 9-5 and continue to have their playoff destiny in their hands.

They have gone from playing for the No. 1 draft choice to needing victories at Kansas City and the New York Jets to finish No. 1 in the AFC East.

"A year ago," defensive end Vonnie Holliday said, "we were the butt of the league. They talked about us like they talk about Detroit now. With this win, we remain in the playoff conversation. That's coming a long way in a year."

Chad Pennington says the Dolphins 'have confidence in closing the deal in the fourth quarter.' (Getty Images)

On Sunday, though, the Dolphins came close to leaving that playoff destiny on the field. Pennington's touchdown passes of 61 yards to David Martin and 19 yards to Joey Haynos left the game in the defense's hands.

The 49ers had possession for 38:13, gained 318 yards and converted 8 of 17 third downs but got only three field goals.

It was the first time since 1973 that a Dolphins defense has gone three consecutive games without allowing a touchdown.

"Obviously, (the defense) did a great job in the red area," coach Tony Sparano said. "If you do that is this league, you are going to have a chance to win every single week."

Still, they needed a good block by Pennington to spring Ronnie Brown on a 16-yard run from the Wildcat formation that ignited a 2:53 drive in final 5:29, allowing the defense to catch its breath.

After Dan Carpenter's field-goal attempt from 49 yards clanked off the crossbar, the 49ers drove to the Dolphins 21, where Porter, who has 17½ sacks, beat veteran Barry Sims on fourth-and-10 to drop Hill and end the game.