CINCINNATI _ The Miami Dolphins raced out to a 17-0 lead over a fellow division leader, got their feature running back involved in the game plan, and converted timely third-down plays on both sides of the football.
Then, they simply unraveled.
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill committed two turnovers in the fourth quarter that were returned for Bengals touchdowns, spoiling the opportunity for a much-needed victory with a 27-17 loss at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Dolphins, hoping to prove they were not stung by a Patriots hangover after last week's demoralizing blowout on the road, fall into a tie with New England at 3-2 atop the AFC East.
The tide turned on the Dolphins at the beginning of the fourth quarter when Bengals running back Joe Mixon scored on an 18-yard pass from quarterback Andy Dalton to trim Miami's lead to, 17-10.
On the ensuing drive, Tannehill was pressured by Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, and while wrapped up by nose tackle Andrew Billings tried to throw the football ball away.
Instead, it hit tight end Durham Smythe's helmet, popped high enough for Johnson to intercept it and score a 21-yard touchdown to tie the game with 11:43 left in the contest.
The Dolphins defense was able to keep the Bengals out of the end zone late in the fourth quarter, forcing the Bengals to settle for a 20-yard field goal by Bullock with 3:30 left.
But Tannehill once again found himself pressured in the pocket, resulting in a fumble that was scooped up by defensive end Sam Hubbard for a 19-yard touchdown to put the game away for good.
The Dolphins seemed primed to rebound from their demoralizing Week 4 loss in New England to retake a one-game lead in the AFC East over the Patriots early.
Miami's offense converted on third down twice in the game to produce the second-longest scoring drive of the season in the second quarter.
Tannehill connected with receivers Albert Wilson and Kenny Stills while running back Frank Gore paced the rushing attack on an 11-play, 95-yard drive that ended with a touchdown catch by running back Kenyan Drake.
The drive was Miami's second longest in plays and yardage this season, one play and 3 yards shy of the Dolphins' first touchdown of this season (a 10-yard pass to Stills) against the Tennessee Titans in the season opener.
The Dolphins defense forced a three-and-out in the final minute of the first half, allowing Jakeem Grant to return a punt 70 yards for a touchdown for a 14-0 lead at halftime.
Miami's defense was able to get off the field on third down in the first half, not letting Cincinnati convert on seven third-down plays, but the defense was unable to keep the same energy as the game wore on.
Dalton completed 20-of-30 passes for 248 yards with receiver A.J. Green leading the Bengals with six receptions for 112 yards. Mixon made his return from a two-week absence due to a knee scope to finish with 22 carries for 93 yards and his touchdown catch.
The Dolphins got Drake more involved, finishing with seven catches for 69 yards and six carries for 46 yards after totaling just six rushing yards in the last two games.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, their offensive suffered after left tackle Laremy Tunsil left the game to be evaluated for a possible concussion.
The Dolphins will host the Chicago Bears next Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, hoping to avoid a three-game losing streak.
