Marino Can’t Jump, but He Can Throw : AFC: Dolphin quarterback stumbles over bench on scramble, then finishes scrambling Patriots, 38-17.

Dan Marino did everything Sunday except jump over a bench.

The Miami Dolphins’ $25-million man took a scary spill when he stumbled over the New England bench after running out of bounds. But Marino bounced to his feet and threw his fourth touchdown pass moments later to help Miami beat the Patriots, 38-17.

In a matchup of the NFL’s only unbeaten and winless teams, the Dolphins (6-0) fell behind 10-0 and then scored on their next six possessions. New England (0-6) gave up 38 consecutive points, all in the second and third quarters.

“We had some problems early, but we came back and played well,” Marino said. “One thing I’ve learned is that you have to just keep going after it.”

The Dolphins moved two games ahead of two-time AFC champion Buffalo in the East Division.

“They’re 6-0 and they’re on their way to doing something nice,” Patriot Coach Dick MacPherson said. “If they all stay well, they’ve got the gun and the rest to go with it.”

Marino completed 21 of 30 passes for 294 yards before calling it quits after three quarters. He connected deep down the middle for touchdowns covering 44 yards to Mark Clayton and 43 yards to Mark Duper, and newcomer Keith Jackson caught scoring passes of six and 11 yards.

“Keith has the great ability to read defenses and get open,” Marino said. “He wants the ball . . . Sometimes there are not enough balls to go around, but we’re winning, and that’s the important thing.”

It was Marino’s first game with four or more touchdown passes since 1988, but the 17th of his career, tying John Unitas’ NFL record. Just as impressive was his rapid recovery from the head-over-heels tumble over the bench after scrambling for 12 yards.

“It was a perfect 10,” Marino said. “It was like a broad jump, because after the bench, there was a towel hamper. I figured someone would catch me, but they all got out of the way.”

The crowd held its breath, then Marino jumped up, grinned, returned to the field and, three plays later, connected with Jackson to put Miami ahead 31-10.