It doesn't happen often. Only once in a while does the sequel to any great movie manage to match the original.

So let's just say Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown is hoping Sunday's rematch against the Patriots carries some of the same qualities of excellence as the first meeting Sept. 21.

''My goal is to have a better game than I had last time,'' Brown said.

Keep in mind that if Brown has a better game than he did in September, he could be flirting with some of the most sacred single-game records in NFL history.

Only three players ( Ernie Nevers in 1929, Dub Jones in 1951 and Gale Sayers in 1965) have accounted for more touchdowns in a game (six) than Brown did last time he played the Patriots. In that game, Brown rushed for four touchdowns and passed for another.

''Looking at that last game, I had some opportunities to make some plays and we made those plays,'' Brown said. ``It wasn't anything I did special. The guys blocked them up, and we were able to run and throw effectively.

``My goal is to have a better game. I'm going to approach it like that.''

So what could he do to make Sunday's game better than the last?

''You never know,'' Brown said, smiling. ``You never know.''

UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY

On the day after he signed a three-year extension that could be worth anywhere between $5.7 million and $6.3 million (depending on incentives), wide receiver Greg Camarillo said he never anticipated something like this three months ago.

''It's not something I could have ever dreamed of because it was so far-fetched for me,'' Camarillo said. ``Even coming into camp, I never would have expected a contract extension.''

That's because, every year of his career, Camarillo has been fighting for a roster spot. Stability was never an option. But after leading the Dolphins with 49 catches and 538 yards through 10 games, Camarillo managed to change that.

Coach Tony Sparano said Camarillo has been one of the two most consistent players on the roster since Sparano was hired. Running back Patrick Cobbs, who also signed a two-year extension this season, was the other player Sparano named.

''It's a great feeling,'' Camarillo said. ``I've committed myself to this team, so it's nice to get a commitment in return. We're moving toward a winning tradition, and I'm excited that I get to be a part of it.''

MORE ABOUT `THE TIE'

Dolphins defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, who coached Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb during his college career at Syracuse, said he would have expected McNabb to realize an NFL game could end in a tie.

After Philadelphia tied the Bengals on Sunday (the first NFL tie since 2002), McNabb said he didn't realize ties could occur if the teams were still locked up after the overtime period ended.

''I would've thought he would've known it, in all honesty,'' Pasqualoni said. ``The rule was put in, when, in 1974? Yeah, a long time ago. It's probably one of those things that just doesn't come up very well, and it's just overlooked, that's all.''

A NEW ADDITION

The Dolphins made another roster change Thursday to improve special teams play. They signed linebacker Eric Walden, who was drafted as a sixth-round pick in Dallas last year. Walden played the first 10 games with the Chiefs.

To make room for Walden, Miami released linebacker Rob Ninkovich.

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