Victory slakes a thirst

MIAMI -- Maybe Jim Bates can be a good head coach. Maybe A.J. Feeley is the quarterback of the future. Or maybe the Miami Dolphins just had a magical night against the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Dolphins, headed toward the worst season in franchise history, got their biggest victory of the year last night against New England. The Dolphins overcame an 11-point deficit with 4:06 left in the fourth quarter to steal a 29-28 victory. It was just what the Dolphins needed.

"I never in my life had a feeling like this after a football game," said tight end Randy McMichael. "It's unbelievable. We had to get some satisfaction somewhere. I'm just very excited right now."

Bates, the interim coach, will interview for the permanent job today even though Louisiana State coach Nick Saban is expected to get the job, possibly by the end of the week. But Bates certainly has a good argument after this victory.

The Dolphins looked as though they were headed for another disappointing loss after Tom Brady hit Daniel Graham for a 2-yard touchdown pass to put the Patriots up, 28-17. But the Dolphins wouldn't give up.

Feeley led Miami on a seven-play, 68-yard drive in 1:52 to cut the lead to 28-23 after a failed 2-point conversion. Three plays later, defensive end Jason Taylor hit Brady, who threw a desperation pass that was intercepted by Brendon Ayanbadejo. The Dolphins turned that gift into a miracle when Feeley threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Derrius Thompson on fourth and 10 to take the final lead with 1:23 left.

After the way this season has gone, no one in Miami believed what just happened, especially when Brady was intercepted again on New England's final drive by safety Arturo Freeman, Brady's fourth interception of the game.

"It's just a great feeling to get a win and finally finish a game," Freeman said. "These guys stuck together and just rallied."

Feeley, in an audition to be the starting quarterback next season, had his best game with the Dolphins. It was his first start without an interception, and Feeley finished 22 for 35 for 198 yards and the final touchdown.

Sammy Knight had two interceptions, the defensive line harassed Brady all night, the Dolphins rushed for three scores, and Wes Welker nearly returned a punt for a touchdown before being tripped up at the 2.

"Things haven't gone so well for us this year, but tonight who cares," Ayanbadejo said. "We just beat the Super Bowl champions."