Dolphins lose, end 1-15, exit out the back door

After Sunday’s 38-25 victory, Cincinnati, which finished 7-9, may be need some changes, too.

MIAMI (AP) — When rookie quarterback John Beck came off the bench for Miami in the third quarter, he dropped the snap on his first play, and the ensuing scramble ended with the Cincinnati Bengals scoring on a 54-yard fumble return.

From a press box suite, Bill Parcells saw the whole thing unfold and sat speechless, his expression blank and slightly dazed.

Watching the Dolphins tends to have that effect.

Four days into the Parcells era, the Dolphins remained wretched. They allowed 316 yards passing by Carson Palmer and staggered to the end of the worst season in franchise history Sunday, losing 38-25 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Dolphins became the eighth team to finish 1-15 and flopped in their audition for Parcells. He started work Thursday as executive vice president of football operations and watched the game with retired Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf.

“You can’t help but know Parcells is here, with the Jumbotron flashing up above, and you see Parcells and Ron Wolf sitting next to him,” defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday said.

The biggest question is whether coach Cam Cameron will return for a second year. He’s expected to discuss his status with Parcells soon.

“We’ll meet this week and see where it takes us,” Cameron said.

General manager Randy Mueller’s future is also uncertain. Parcells declined to talk to reporters. Everyone agrees sweeping change is needed for a team that avoided the NFL’s first 0-16 season thanks to an overtime win against Baltimore two weeks ago.

“I need a vacation,” said receiver Marty Booker, dressing quickly at his locker. “When everything is this dismal, being frustrated every week, of course it takes a toll on you. I’m spent. It’s over. All that’s left now is to sit around and see what happens.”

The Bengals’ offseason also may be eventful. They finished 7-9, their first losing season since 2002, the year before Marvin Lewis took over as coach.

“There are things around here that are a little stale,” Lewis said. “Get rid of them. You know how you go to your garage and say, ‘I’ve got to get rid of this junk.’ We just need to freshen up a bit.”