http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/dolphins/notes.htm But Pasqualoni's inability to figure out how to stop opposing tight ends from torching his linebackers and safeties, as well as his unit giving up a franchise-high 140 points in the fourth quarter, led to his dismissal. Pasqualoni's run defense dropped precipitously from seventh in the league to 18th after mammoth nose tackle Jason Ferguson tore his quadriceps in Game 10. The struggles peaked off when the pass-oriented Steelers gained a season-high 202 rushing yards during the Dolphins' crushing 30-24 loss in the season finale. Offensively, the Dolphins were dynamite on third downs with a 49 percent conversion rate, second to the Colts. But they lacked big-strike ability, managing just 16 pass plays of 25 yards or more with no receiver catching more than three touchdowns. A battered offensive line and loss of the Pro Bowl running back Ronnie Brown (and the Wildcat) didn't help Henne's 20th-ranked passing attack. That said, Miami still ended up with the league's fourth-ranked rushing attack thanks to the resurgence of Ricky Williams, who at 32, gained 1,121 yards on 4.7 yards per carry. Williams' 13 touchdowns, two receiving, helped Miami rank fourth in red-zone efficiency.
