Dolphins...14 49ers...9
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MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins have improved so much they hardly need the ball to win.
Miami had possession for less than 22 minutes, but held the opposition without a touchdown for the third game in a row and helped its playoff chances by beating San Francisco, 14-9.
The 49ers ran 79 plays to 42 for the Dolphins, but Miami tight ends scored the only touchdowns on first-half passes from Chad Pennington. He threw a 61-yarder to David Martin and a 19-yarder to rookie Joey Haynos, who made the first reception of his career.
San Francisco (5-9) reached the Miami 21 before its final threat ended when Shaun Hill was sacked on fourth and 10 by Joey Porter with 1:02 left.
The Dolphins (9-5), who are tied with the Patriots and Jets for the AFC East lead, won for the seventh time in eight games. They will clinch a playoff berth with victories in their last two games.
Quoteworthy: “We’re finding ways to get wins. They’re not cute, but all wins are beautiful.” -- Jason Ferguson, Dolphins nose tackle
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