The Dolphins players have not quit on Tony Sparano yet.

That much was clear, as Miami took a lead into the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game, only to have Eli Manning and Victor Cruz break their hearts in a 20-17 defeat.

Manning led the Giants to 10 fourth quarter points, and his 25-yard strike to Cruz with under six minutes remining provided the final margin of victory.

The younger Manning completed 31 of 45 passes for 349 yards and two scores, and Cruz caught six passes for 99 yards and a TD, as the Dolphins couldn't stop either player.

Manning seemingly had hours of pocket time to dissect the Miami defense, as the Dolphins were only able to get to him for one sack all afternoon.

Cruz spent most of the day covered by Dolphins veteran Will Allen, who looked long in the tooth trying to keep up with the speedy receiver.

And the Dolphins weren't helped by a dubious call in the fourth.

Brandon Marshall was flagged for a phantom pass interference call on a ball he caught near midfield that would have given the Dolphins good field position and the valuable commodity of momentum. Instead, the big gain was negated, and Miami was forced to punt.

And after scoring a TD on consecutive drives for the first time this season, the Miami offense again sputtered.

Matt Moore started on fire, completing 5 of 6 passes and running for a TD, but he finished just 8 of his last 16, and he was sacked four times on Miami's last two drives as the Dolphins tried to rally.

His last pass, deep over the middle to Marshall, was intercepted by Corey Webster to seal the victory.

Miami wasted the best effort of the season by running back Reggie Bush, who had his second career 100-yard game with 103 yards on just 15 carries.

Again, the Dolphins couldn't make the big plays in the fourth quarter on either side of the ball to win the game. And as for the rumors that have been flying this week about Bill Cowher, he put them to rest Sunday by stating he did not intend to coach next season. So, Stephen Ross will have to look elsewhere to replace Sparano.

Now, it's on to Kansas City, and one of the few remaining games Miami has a legitimate chance to win.