NFL: Miami 14, San Francisco 9

MIAMI, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Two touchdown throws by Chad Pennington and a stout defensive effort Sunday brought Miami a 14-9 victory over San Francisco.

The Dolphins (9-5) remained tied for the lead in the AFC East, but the New York Jets (also 9-5) own a tiebreaker advantage over them with two games remaining.

Pennington directed drives in each of the first two quarters that resulted in touchdown passes of 61 yards to David Martin and 19 yards to Joey Haynes. The Dolphins could not produce a point in the second half while their defense continually halted the 49ers.

San Francisco out-gained Miami 318 yards to 248 and had the ball more than 38 minutes, but got only three field goals from Joe Nedney to show for it.

San Francisco drove from its own 13-yard line to the Miami 5 in the third period, but had to settle for a field goal that made it 14-9.

After Miami missed a field goal with 2:36 remaining in the game, the 49ers had a final chance to pull out a victory. They drove from their own 39 to the Miami 21, but quarterback Shaun Hill was sacked on fourth down to end San Francisco's hopes.

Pennington completed a dozen passes for 126 yards and Ronnie Brown ran for 67 yards on 10 carries to help bring the Dolphins their third straight win.

San Francisco fell to 5-9.