Whether it's the fear of incurring Sparano's wrath or an emphasis on no turnovers, the point has gotten across to the resurgent Dolphins, who have committed a league-low 10 turnovers. They are on pace to break the NFL record for fewest turnovers of 14, set by the Super Bowl champ Giants in 1990.

"It's not good," running back Ronnie Brown said of Sparano's trigger-quick reaction to fumbles. "I think that may be part of the reasons we don't do it in the game because if it does happen in a game we have to listen to it all week into the next week, so you try to focus on it and make sure you don't do that to avoid that situation."

Last season the top five teams in giveaway-takeaway ratio -- the Chargers, Colts, Patriots, Bucs and Seahawks -- all won their divisions. This season the Dolphins -- tied for first in the AFC East -- lead the league with a plus-12 ratio.

This week's opponent, the 49ers (5-8), are worst in turnovers committed (30) and turnover ratio (minus-14).

"We're lowest in the league, but you would never know it when Tony's around," offensive coordinator Dan Henning said.