1 of 3. Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (L) tries to elude Oakland Raiders cornerback Lito Sheppard after picking up a first down during their NFL football game in Miami, Florida, December 4, 2011.
Credit: Reuters/Joe SkipperBy Simon Evans
MIAMI | Sun Dec 4, 2011 6:49pm EST
MIAMI (Reuters) - The Oakland Raiders lost sole control of the AFC West after falling 34-14 to the rejuvenated Miami Dolphins in National Football League action Sunday.
With the Denver Broncos (7-5) beating the Minnesota Vikings (2-10), the Raiders (7-5) are now tied atop the division and Oakland could have few complaints about the outcome.
"After a loss like this there's really not much to say other than we just got outplayed in every phase of the game," said Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer, whose team showed little fight after trailing 13-0 at halftime. "We just got physically beat which is very discouraging."
The Dolphins added three touchdowns in the third quarter -- Reggie Bush and quarterback Matt Moore running home and then Kevin Burnett returning an interception 34 yards -- to put the game out of reach.
"We couldn't run it, we couldn't stop the run, we didn't throw it very well, we didn't play special teams very well," said Raiders head coach Hue Jackson.
"When it gets like that, that's just a bad day at the office. There isn't any excuse. I'll take everything on myself."
The Dolphins, who began the season 0-7, have now won four of their last five games, and while the playoffs remain far out of sight, the team could be helping head coach Tony Sparano to save his job.
"Tony is the kind of guy everyone in this locker room likes to play for. It was never a situation where guys were not believing in what Tony was saying," said veteran linebacker Jason Taylor.
"I haven't met a tougher guy than Tony. He's like Teflon Don right now. Everything just falls of his back right now and he keeps going about his business and could care less what people say."
Moore, who took over at quarterback after starter Chad Henne was injured in early October, was solid again throwing for 162 yards and one touchdown while running back Bush rushed for 100 yards and one touchdown.
Oakland defensive tackle Richard Seymour was ejected in the third quarter for throwing a punch.
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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