FOXBORO, Mass., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- With snow falling throughout most of the game and a bitter wind chill, New England clinched the AFC East title Sunday with a 12-0 win over Miami.
It was the ninth victory in a row for the Patriots (11-2), who recorded their second straight home shutout and tied Kansas City for the best record in the NFL.
The Dolphins (8-5) were coming off a 40-21 Thanksgiving Day win at Dallas, but had no success against Coach Bill Belichick's defensive scheme.
Nine of New England's 12 points came from the defense as linebacker Tedy Bruschi returned an interception five yards for a touchdown with 8:55 left in the fourth quarter and Jarvis Green tackled quarterback Jay Fiedler in the end zone for a safety with 1:13 remaining.
