Miami Dolphins defense betters the Rams

It wasn't bold or impressive. It wasn't really all that entertaining, either. But as the Dolphins continue their quest to remain alive in the AFC wild card hunt, only one quality of Sunday's lackluster game against the Rams really mattered.

Miami Dolphins lose lineman Smiley for rest of season

The loss of guard Justin Smiley hurts Miami's line and also removes an important mentor to top draft pick Jake Long.
ST. LOUIS RAMS OFFENSE

Rams' stars return to action, but points missing

Despite getting Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson and Orlando Pace back from injuries, the Rams again failed to score a TD.
Miami Dolphins receiver Bess makes most of start

When Dolphins wide receiver Greg Camarillo sustained a season-ending knee injury last week against the Patriots, it left an opening for one of three other receivers to slide into a prime position as a starter aside Ted Ginn Jr.
Miami Dolphins activate Wilford against Rams

Dolphins wide receiver Ernest Wilford has been activated for Sunday's game against the Rams, only the fourth time this season.
Dolphins vs. Rams: Keys to the game

Although none of the Dolphins rolled up the gaudy individual rushing statistics they would have liked -- and to which they seemed well on their way after the first half -- the running game powered Miami's touchdown drive in the second quarter and set up some of its later downfield success.
Grading the Miami Dolphins vs. St. Louis Rams

Chad Pennington wasn't exactly off target, but any day Ronnie Brown has a better rating and completion percentage is not a great day for the regular quarterback.
IN MY OPINION

Miami Dolphins have playoff chances despite flaws

ST. LOUIS -- The truth about today's Miami Dolphins is they have come light years from that forgettable bunch of a season ago that now haunt only in our nightmares like a black and white NFL Films screening.
DOLPHINS AT RAMS, 1 P.M. SUNDAY, CBS

Miami Dolphins want to establish the run against Rams

Ronnie Brown has rushed for less than 60 yards in eight of 11 games. The Rams' run defense could be the best medicine.
DOLPHINS AT RAMS, SUN., 1 P.M., CBS

Maturity helping both Longs excel in the NFL

The No. 1 draft pick rarely goes head to head against the No. 2 draft pick in their rookie season. But that matchup looms Sunday when Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long takes on Rams defensive end Chris Long.
DOLPHINS NOTEBOOK

Miami Dolphins' Joey Porter fined $7,500

The NFL apparently isn't only interested in curbing overly aggressive behavior -- it is also interesting in getting rid of overly aggressive trash talk.
Breaking down the game: Miami Dolphins vs. St. Louis Rams

Chad Pennington proved last week he could account for a lot of passing yards when the Dolphins need it. But the Dolphins hope they don't need it because it really isn't their strength.
FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ

Miami Dolphins' draft picks progressing well

With No. 1 pick Jake Long and second pick Chris Long meeting Sunday -- contingent on Jake Long's ankle -- here's a quick progress report on Miami's draft class:
DOLPHINS NOTEBOOK

Ernest Wilford is eager for a chance with the Miami Dolphins

Ernest Wilford had high hopes coming to Miami, but has spent most of his time on the sideline. That finally will change Sunday.
NFL fines Miami Dolphins' Joey Porter

Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter was fined $7,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct during the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Patriots.
ON SPORTS MEDIA

Flex TV scheduling leaves NFL games up in the air

cap A few tough decisions await the NFL and NBC in the next month as they consider flexible-schedule options.
DOLPHINS

Miami Dolphins thankful for good news

The Dolphins found out tackle Jake Long is likely to play Sunday and that Channing Crowder won't be suspended for his altercation with Patriots tackle Matt Light.
DOLPHINS

Charity work helps Miami Dolphins put loss to Pats behind

A day of charity helped the Dolphins rejuvenate their spirits as they shifted their focus away from Sunday's loss and toward getting back on a playoff track.
Israel Gutierrez | Eventful fourth quarter shows Miami Dolphins matter again

Channing Crowder left the field calling for crowd support and mocking the man who made a cowardly attempt at scrapping with him. Joey Porter wouldn't leave the field at all, calling off his replacement and prolonging an agonizing defeat that meant as much as any game in the past five seasons.
DOLPHINS NOTEBOOK

St. Louis Rams expect Bulger, Pace back for Dolphins game

However much St. Louis has stunk this season, nobody would argue it is a better team without quarterback Marc Bulger, running back Steven Jackson and aging-but-still-better-than-a-backup offensive left tackle Orlando Pace.