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2011 Miami Dolphins season

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2011 Miami Dolphins season
General managerJeff Ireland
Head coachTony Sparano (fired on December 12; 4–9 record)
Todd Bowles (interim; 2–1 record)
Home fieldSun Life Stadium
Results
Record6–10
Division place3rd AFC East
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersOT Jake Long
WR Brandon Marshall
NT Paul Soliai

The 2011 Miami Dolphins season was the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League (NFL), the 46th overall and the fourth and final under head coach Tony Sparano.[1] The Dolphins made their first round selection with the 15th pick of the 2011 NFL draft on Florida offensive lineman Mike Pouncey. The team got off to an 0–7 start but won six of their final nine games, however, this result failed to improve on their record from 2010 and Sparano was fired on December 12.

Offseason

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2011 NFL draft

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Main article: 2011 NFL draft

DraftKing.com, NFLMocks.com, and The Palm Beach Post predicted that the Dolphins would use their first round pick to choose Gabe Carimi, a left tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers who won the 2010 Outland Trophy as the nation's top collegiate interior lineman, and was a Consensus All-American.[2][3] Charles Davis of NFL.com predicted they would draft Mark Ingram II from the University of Alabama.[4]

2011 Miami Dolphins draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 15 Mike Pouncey *  C Florida
2 62 Daniel Thomas  RB Kansas State Pick from DEN[dr 1][dr 2]
4 111 Edmond Gates  WR Abilene Christian
6 174 Charles Clay  FB/TE Tulsa Pick from GB[dr 3]
7 231 Frank Kearse  DT Alabama A&M Pick from JAC[dr 4]
7 235 Jimmy Wilson  CB Montana Compensatory[dr 5]
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
  1. ^ The Dolphins traded its second-round selection (#46 overall) and a 2010 second-round selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for WR Brandon Marshall.
  2. ^ The Dolphins traded its third-round selection (#79 overall), fifth-round selection (#146 overall) and a seventh-round selection (#217 overall) to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a second-round selection (#62 overall).
  3. ^ The Dolphins traded its sixth-round selection (#179 overall) and seventh-round selection (#218 overall) to the Green Bay Packers for their sixth-round selection (#174 overall) and seventh-round selection (#231 overall).
  4. ^ The Dolphins acquired this seventh-round selection (#218 overall) in a May 2010 trade that sent G Justin Smiley to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
  5. ^ Compensatory selection

Personnel changes

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Brian Daboll joins the team as offensive coordinator. Karl Dorrell moves to quarter backs coach from wide receivers coach. Jeff Nixon added as the running backs coach. Steve Bush moves to wide receivers coach from offensive quality control. Ike Hilliard added as an assistant wide receivers coach. Dan Campbell moves to tight ends coach from intern. Bryan Cox is added as a defensive pass rush coach.

Roster changes

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Re-signings

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Signings

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Departures

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Trades

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Team Captains

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The team voted the following as their 2011 team captains.

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Head coach Tony Sparano decided that the special teams captain would be selected on week to week basis.[34]

Staff

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Miami Dolphins 2011 staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

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2011 Miami Dolphins roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 6 reserve, 8 practice squad

Schedule

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Preseason

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The Dolphins' defensive backs huddle during the preseason opener in Atlanta.
Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 12 at Atlanta Falcons W 28–23 1–0 Georgia Dome Recap
2 August 19 Carolina Panthers W 20–10 2–0 Sun Life Stadium Recap
3 August 27 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 13–17 2–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap
4 September 1 Dallas Cowboys W 17–3 3–1 Sun Life Stadium Recap

Regular season

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 12 New England Patriots L 24–38 0–1 Sun Life Stadium Recap
2 September 18 Houston Texans L 13–23 0–2 Sun Life Stadium Recap
3 September 25 at Cleveland Browns L 16–17 0–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
4 October 2 at San Diego Chargers L 16–26 0–4 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
5 Bye
6 October 17 at New York Jets L 6–24 0–5 MetLife Stadium Recap
7 October 23 Denver Broncos L 15–18 (OT) 0–6 Sun Life Stadium Recap
8 October 30 at New York Giants L 17–20 0–7 MetLife Stadium Recap
9 November 6 at Kansas City Chiefs W 31–3 1–7 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
10 November 13 Washington Redskins W 20–9 2–7 Sun Life Stadium Recap
11 November 20 Buffalo Bills W 35–8 3–7 Sun Life Stadium Recap
12 November 24 at Dallas Cowboys L 19–20 3–8 Cowboys Stadium Recap
13 December 4 Oakland Raiders W 34–14 4–8 Sun Life Stadium Recap
14 December 11 Philadelphia Eagles L 10–26 4–9 Sun Life Stadium Recap
15 December 18 at Buffalo Bills W 30–23 5–9 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
16 December 24 at New England Patriots L 24–27 5–10 Gillette Stadium Recap
17 January 1 New York Jets W 19–17 6–10 Sun Life Stadium Recap

Game summaries

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Week 1: vs. New England Patriots

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Week One: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 7 141038
Dolphins 7 0 10724

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

The Dolphins began their 2011 campaign at home, for a Week 1 AFC East duel with the New England Patriots in the first game of Monday Night Football's doubleheader. Miami delivered the game's opening splash with a 9-yard touchdown run from quarterback Chad Henne. The Patriots answered with running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 4-yard touchdown run. New England took the lead in the second quarter as quarterback Tom Brady completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The Dolphins struck back in the third quarter as Henne found wide receiver Brian Hartline on a 10-yard touchdown pass, but New England came right back with Brady completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker. Miami replied with a 20-yard field goal from kicker Dan Carpenter, but the Patriots came right back with Brady completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez. New England added onto their in the fourth quarter as kicker Stephen Gostkowski got a 20-yard field goal, followed by Brady completing a 99-yard touchdown pass to Welker. The Dolphins would close out the game with Henne finding running back Reggie Bush on a 2-yard touchdown pass.

With the loss, Miami began their season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Houston Texans

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Week Two: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 6 10 0723
Dolphins 3 0 7313

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: September 18
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 87 °F or 30.6 °C, sunny
  • Game attendance: 51,032
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information

With the loss, the Dolphins dropped to 0–2.

Week 3: at Cleveland Browns

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Week Three: Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 3 3316
Browns 0 7 3717

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: September 25
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F or 21.1 °C, sunny
  • Game attendance: 66,651
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Randy Cross
Game information

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–3.

Week 4: at San Diego Chargers

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Week Four: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 3 3316
Chargers 7 6 10326

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 2
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 84 °F or 28.9 °C, sunny
  • Game attendance: 63,002
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information

With the loss, the Dolphins went into their bye week 0–4.

Week 6: at New York Jets

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Week Six: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 3 006
Jets 7 7 3724

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–5.

Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos

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Week Seven: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Broncos 0 0 015318
Dolphins 0 6 09015

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–6.

Week 8: at New York Giants

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Week Eight: Miami Dolphins at New York Giants – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 7 3017
Giants 3 7 01020

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: October 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 45 °F or 7.2 °C, sunny
  • Game attendance: 79,302
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
Game information

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–7.

Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs

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Week Nine: Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 7 14331
Chiefs 3 0 003

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 62 °F or 16.7 °C, cloudy
  • Game attendance: 72,263
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
Game information

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 1–7 and made the Colts the only winless team.

Week 10: vs. Washington Redskins

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Week Ten: Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 3 309
Dolphins 7 3 3720

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: November 13
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 79 °F or 26.1 °C, mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 57,007
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers & Tim Ryan
Game information

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 2–7.

Week 11: vs. Buffalo Bills

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Week Eleven: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 3 3 028
Dolphins 14 14 7035

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 80 °F or 26.7 °C, mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 57,531
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon
Game information

Coming off their win over the Redskins, the Dolphins stayed at home for a Week 11 AFC East showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Miami trailed early in the first quarter as Bills kicker Dave Rayner made a 30-yard field goal, yet the Dolphins immediately answered with quarterback Matt Moore finding tight end Anthony Fasano on a 1-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Reggie Bush. Miami would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Moore connecting with fullback Charles Clay on a 12-yard touchdown pass, followed by wide receiver Davone Bess on a 4-yard touchdown pass. Buffalo would close out the half with Rayner booting a 56-yard field goal.

The Dolphins continued their dominating day in the third quarter with running back Lex Hilliard recovering a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown (the team's first TD off of a blocked punt since 1990). The Bills tried to rally as linebacker Kelvin Sheppard tackled rookie running back Daniel Thomas in the endzone for a safety, but Miami's lead proved to be too much to overcome.

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 3–7.

This game also marked the first time since 1990 that Miami allowed 10 points or fewer in three straight games. They became the third team in NFL history to win 3 straight after starting the season at least 0–7 (1978 Cardinals and 1986 Colts).[35]

Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys

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Thanksgiving Day game

Week Twelve: Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 3 10319
Cowboys 0 10 01020

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

Coming off their win over the Bills, the Dolphins flew to Cowboys Stadium for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Miami delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Shayne Graham, but the Cowboys answered in the second quarter with kicker Dan Bailey getting a 32-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laurent Robinson. The Dolphins would close out the half with a 28-yard field goal from Graham.

Miami would regain the lead in the third quarter with a 27-yard field goal from Graham, followed by quarterback Matt Moore finding wide receiver Brandon Marshall on a 35-yard field goal. Dallas struck back in the fourth quarter with Romo completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to Robinson. The Dolphins would reply with a 23-yard field goal from Graham, but the Cowboys got the last laugh with Bailey nailing the game-winning 28-yard field goal.

With the loss, Miami fell to 3–8.

Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders

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Week Thirteen: Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 01414
Dolphins 6 7 21034

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 4
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 80 °F or 26.7 °C, sunny
  • Game attendance: 57,225
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf
Game information

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 4–8.

Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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Week Fourteen: Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 24 0226
Dolphins 7 0 3010

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 11
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 75 °F or 23.9 °C, cloudy
  • Game attendance: 67,823
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio
Game information

With the loss, the Dolphins dropped to 4–9, and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. One day later (December 12), head coach Tony Sparano was fired and replaced by assistant coach Todd Bowles on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

Week 15: at Buffalo Bills

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Week Fifteen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 13 71030
Bills 7 0 01623

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 31 °F or −0.6 °C, cloudy/snow
  • Game attendance: 60,988
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
Game information

Week 16: at New England Patriots

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Week Sixteen: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 14 0724
Patriots 0 0 171027

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 30 °F or −1.1 °C, sunny and cold
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Alberto Riveron
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

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Week Seventeen: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 7 3 0717
Dolphins 3 3 01319

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

The Dolphins closed out their season with a 19–17 win over the Jets that knocked the Jets out of playoff contention. The Dolphins intercepted Mark Sanchez three times and limited him to 235 passing yards. The win was the 400th in Miami Dolphins franchise history and the final game for Jason Taylor, held to one tackle in the game; he recovered what was initially ruled a fumble by the Jets and raced to a touchdown, but the score was nullified when the ball was ruled down by contact.

Standings

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AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) New England Patriots 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 513 342 W8
New York Jets 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 394 382 L3
Miami Dolphins 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 348 330 W1
Buffalo Bills 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 372 434 L1

References

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  1. ^ "Sparano told he'll stay with Dolphins despite Harbaugh talks". Wire Reports. National Football League. January 6, 2011. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
  2. ^ "1st Round « NFL Mocks | Covering the 2011 NFL Draft". NFLmocks. February 16, 2011. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
  3. ^ Ben Volin (March 14, 2011). "Mock Draft v. 2.0: Predicting the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft". The Daily Dolphin. The Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on March 19, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  4. ^ Charles Davis (March 2, 2011). "Post-combine projection has Panthers taking aim at Newton". Nfl.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  5. ^ Ben Volin (March 4, 2011). "Dolphins resign lineman Richie Incognito, place free-agent tender on backup QB Tyler Thigpen". Archived from the original on March 5, 2011.
  6. ^ "Dolphins' Wednesday Recap". July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on November 16, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  7. ^ "NFL: Team Transactions From August as of August 8, 10:00 PM ET - Inside Pulse". insidepulse.com. August 9, 2011. Archived from the original on August 30, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  8. ^ Staff, Inquirer. "QB Pat Devlin signs with Miami Dolphins". inquirer.com. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  9. ^ "Source: Dolphins sign LB Burnett to 4-year deal". ESPN.com. July 30, 2011.
  10. ^ "Jason Trusnik". The Washington Post.
  11. ^ "The Fabulous Forum". Los Angeles Times. July 29, 2011. Archived from the original on July 30, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  12. ^ Carter, Andrew. "Miami Dolphins sign defensive lineman Ronald Fields". Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  13. ^ Kelly, Omar. "Dolphins sign Marc Colombo, leave Vernon Carey in limbo". Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  14. ^ "Jason Taylor". Chicago Tribune. [dead link‍]
  15. ^ Galicia, Thomas. "Miami Dolphins Sign Former Jets and Patriots Backup QB Kevin O'Connell". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  16. ^ Nelson, Chris J. "Miami Dolphins Sign OT Ray Willis; Work out QB Troy Smith". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  17. ^ Nelson, Chris J. "Miami Dolphins Sign DB K. J. Gerard, LB David Nixon". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  18. ^ "ProFootballWeekly.com - Dolphins sign WR Matthews". Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved 2011-08-24.
  19. ^ "Miami Dolphins Talking Points: For the 2nd straight year, the better QB may be on the bench | The Daily Dolphin". Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-24.
  20. ^ Murray, Rob. "Miami Dolphins Sign Running Back Larry Johnson". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  21. ^ "Miami Dolphins plan to keep churning the roster, as usual - Sun Sentinel". www.sun-sentinel.com. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  22. ^ "Will Allen Signs With Miami Dolphins". Syracuse University Athletics. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  23. ^ "Dolphins sign DL Olshansky, CB Jones to shore up defense". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  24. ^ "With Dolphins still winless, Reggie Bush knows the time is now to turn things around". The Washington Post.
  25. ^ "Dolphins ink Sage Rosenfels, Henne done for year". Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
  26. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (July 27, 2011). "Tyler Thigpen headed to Buffalo". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  27. ^ "Pennington Gets New Gig - Marshall University News, Scores and Coverage from WVMETRONEWS.COM". Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved 2011-08-14.
  28. ^ "Eagles sign running back Ronnie Brown". ESPN.com. August 2, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  29. ^ "Linebacker Channing Crowder, released by the Miami Dolphins, retires at 27". Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  30. ^ "The Dolphins waived Tim Dobbins. His contract was terminated. He was due $1.5 in 2011 and was..." August 1, 2011. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  31. ^ "Archives - Philly.com". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 3, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  32. ^ Nogle, Kevin (September 3, 2011). "Miami Dolphins Complete Roster Cuts". The Phinsider. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  33. ^ "Bush dealt to Dolphins, agrees to two-year deal". ESPN.com. July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  34. ^ "Henne Elected Dolphins Captain". Miami Herald.[dead link‍]
  35. ^ "Game Recap: Dolphins 35, Bills 8 « Dolphins Digital – Assets". thefinsiders.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2011.
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