Chad Henne, Dolphins quarterback, stood stewing on the sideline after throwing a costly interception and rooted for Tampa Bay to score so he could get the ball back.
The Buccaneers cooperated. With 1:14 left to play they took the lead. Then Henne led Miami on a drive of 77 yards. With 10 seconds left in the game Dan Carpenter hit a field goal from 25 yards to give the Dolphins a 25-23 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Henne said, we had one minute to go. It is time to get out there to make a comeback.
The heroics of Henne spoiled Tampa Bay’s comeback, which was led by rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, who helped to rally his team during the fourth quarter. It was the second time he has done that in his two career NFL starts. Freeman was able to shake off his dreadful first half to lead the Buccaneers to two late touchdowns.
A Henne ill advised pass was picked off and set up the go ahead touchdown for the Buccaneers. With Tampa Bay at Miami’s one yard line, Henne wanted the Buccaneers to score fast to give Miami more time to rally.
Henne said, it is really tough, especially after the interception that is your fault. But you can not let that bother you forever.
The Dolphins (4-5) won the game despite losing Ronnie Brown, running back, during the third quarter due to an injured right ankle. Tampa Bay (1-8) wasn’t able to build any momentum after defeating the Packers last week.
Miami fell behind in the game 23-22. They then started at their 16 yard line. Henne connected with Davone Bess on 16 and 25 yard plays, while Ricky Williams ran 27 yards down to the 7 yard line.
Then Carpenter came in and kicked the field goal, his fourth of the game, which more than made up for the blocked extra point attempt during the first quarter.
The second year pro Henne went 15 out of 31 for a total of 175 yards, improving his starting record to 4-2.
Jason Taylor said, after the game I told him in our locker room that today you grew up. It is a maturation process. He will make some mistakes. All of us make mistakes. After 13 years I still do. The key is bouncing back after you do. Today that is what he did.
A critical replay reversal helped Miami score ten points during the last 1:25 minutes in the first half, including a Kory Sperry touchdown catch. Sperry, after being signed on Saturday from Miami’s practice squad, was making his debut in the NFL.
Sperry said, when I am playing, I don’t think too much. When I saw the ball all I could think was don’t drop it.
Williams had 102 rushing yards for the Dolphins, while Brown ran for 8 yards and scored a touchdown before he was injured.
During the first half Miami’s defense stymied Freeman. He had a fumble which was recovered by the Dolphins, ending a Tampa Bay scoring threat. He also mishandled a snap from the shotgun, losing 13 yards which stalled another drive. When sacked Freeman fumbled twice, although Tampa Bay recovered both times.
Freeman then connected with Maurice Stovall on a touchdown pass of 33 yards on the fourth quarter’s first play to cut the Dolphins lead to 19-16. Quincy Black, linebacker, intercepted a Henne pass at Miami’s 26 yard line with 1:43 remaining in the game. It set up a one yard run for a touchdown by Carnell Williams, giving Tampa Bay a brief lead.
Freeman was 16 out of 28 for a total of 196 yards.
Taylor said, the kid will be good. For being a young quarterback he has a lot of poise and moved well. I have lots of respect for the young kid.
However, Freeman wasn’t able to find much comfort in the praise.
Right now I feel miserable because we lost, Freeman said. I hate losing. That is the only thing I am thinking about.
The replay review provided the Dolphins with a chance to build a halftime lead of 13 points. Late first half, Tampa Bay was on their 4 yard line. Michael Clayton bobbled the catch, then the ball was snatched by Taylor. Initially the throw was rule incomplete. However the replay review along with a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct to an irate Raheem Morris, gave Taylor the interception and Miami the ball on Tampa Bay’s 8 yard line.
Two plays later the Dolphins scored when Henne connected with Sperry for a touchdown from 5 yards.
Morris said, this loss is my fault. A head coach getting a personal foul is totally unacceptable. I take the points. We lost by that much. I take the blame. I used inappropriate language with the official.
Connor Barth of Tampa Bay tied the NFL record that is held with another three kickers by making three field goals that were at least 50 yards long. His field goals were 51, 50 and 54 yards long, and were the longest three field goals of his career.
