Dolphins Successfully Defend Reputation, 17-6

The Miami Dolphins were embarrassed on defense last week in their season opener, but came back strong Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Dolphins limited the Colts to 150 yards in a 17-6 victory at Miami to give Coach Don Shula the 299th win of his NFL career.

Last week, Miami (1-1) surrendered 582 yards during a 35-31 loss to Buffalo.

Dolphin linebacker Bryan Cox, a rookie who had a sack and four other tackles, said it was a mistake to write Miami off after one bad game.

“We’ve got it back on track, and some teams better watch out,” Cox said.

Mark Higgs, a 5-foot-7 fourth-year pro from Kentucky, rushed for 111 yards in 27 carries to become the first Dolphin since Andra Franklin in 1982 to gain more than 100 yards in consecutive games. Higgs, who became a starter when Sammie Smith suffered a knee injury that will keep him out at least two more games, rushed for 146 yards last week against Buffalo.

The Colts (0-2) averaged only 2.8 yards per play against the Dolphins.

“We’re dogs right now,” said Eric Dickerson, who gained 60 yards in 19 carries. “I’m just disgusted. I’m getting tired of losing.”

The score was 3-3 at halftime, but Miami mounted a 60-yard touchdown drive to take the lead early in the second half. Rookie Aaron Craver scored his first NFL touchdown on a seven-yard run.

Colt halfback Albert Bentley was lost for the season because of a knee injury suffered late in the third quarter.

Miami quarterback Dan Marino completed 14 of 25 passes for 147 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown to Jim Jensen in the fourth quarter.

Indianapolis quarterback Jeff George completed 17 of 31 passes for 98 yards.

“Buffalo showed our weaknesses,” Miami linebacker John Offerdahl said, “but we didn’t believe we were a 600-yard team every week.”