Fourth-and-10 from the 21-yard line late in the fourth quarter, with the game and a five-point lead on the line, Joey Porter produces a season saving sack, helping Miami escape with its playoff aspirations intact.

Mr. Big Play shows up at the right time, just like he has most of this season.

"All wins ain't cute, but a W is always pretty," nose tackle Jason Ferguson said of the win, which allows the Dolphins to keep pace with the Jets and Patriots, staying tied for first place in the AFC East heading into Sunday's road game against Kansas City.

It's a good thing that game-saving play came from Porter, the former Super Bowl champ, because he stood in front of the team before the game and talked about how important it was that the players inside the locker room controlled the team's destiny.

"Who knew we'd be having this conversation about playoffs. But we can't get ahead of ourselves," said defensive end Vonnie Holliday. "We're not getting help from anybody else. This one is on us."

And so is the win, the Dolphins' ninth win of the season, which comes a year after going 1-15.

That's why Holliday and cornerback Andre' Goodman, who has never been on a winning team before this, said this season is the best experience they've felt as a pro.

Part of the enjoyment comes from where they've been, especially since one year ago Greg Camarillo's touchdown catch against Baltimore kept last year's Dolphins from being infamous.

"This is by far the best feeling I've ever had as a Football player, period. It can't feel great until you know how bad it felt," Goodman said. "I know how bad it has been."

Every time San Francisco was in the red zone the defense held firm, holding the 49ers to field goals. The bend but don't break defense showed up for the third straight game.

"It's a whole team concept. We've said it before. It's about accountability," said linebacker Akin Ayodele.

Every game has been close this season, but a least nine of them have turned into wins.

"We're a blue collar hard working team looking for win No. 10," said Chad Pennington, who completed 12 of 19 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. "We try not to take anything for granted. We've been truly blessed."

From cursed to first in the AFC East, and still going.

So, what impressed you the most about this win over the 49ers?

Deuces.