Dolphins say they will survive.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

MIAMI _ They say it's a minor slip, not a calamitous swoon. These Dolphins reject the notion their consecutive December losses are the foundation to another late-season collapse.

But that's exactly what last year's coaches and players said while losing five of the final six regular-season games. It's what the 1995 Dolphins said while losing five of their final eight games. It's alarmingly similar to what players on the `93 Dolphins said ... even as they lost their final five games.

The `93 demise even included a season-ending loss at New England, which plays host to the Dolphins in Sunday's regular-season finale.

"Look," Dolphins special teams coach Mike Westhoff said, the irritation in his voice increasing with every word. "I know we've had some struggles at the end of different seasons. But I don't think that relates to today. I didn't see a common denominator for it in the past. Over the years there have been many reasons.

"And I don't see anything in this team that …