Harbaugh at His Best When Dolphins Aren’t

Jim Harbaugh took the blame when everything was going wrong. Now, with everything going right, he can take the credit too.

Harbaugh passed for 255 yards and a career-best four touchdowns, three to tight end Ken Dilger, as the Indianapolis Colts shocked the Miami Dolphins, 41-0, on Sunday.

“I’ve never had four touchdown passes, in high school, college, pee wee, or pro,” Harbaugh said. “I wouldn’t say it’s the most satisfying game I’ve ever had but . . . it’s right up there. It’s been a long season. This helps a little bit.”

Miami (9-6) can still clinch the AFC East Division title with a victory next week over New England, but this game belonged to Indianapolis from the beginning.

The Colts (3-12) scored on every first-half possession, sacked Dan Marino twice and forced him to fumble twice deep in Miami territory. Both turnovers led to Indianapolis scores.

Marino managed only 71 yards passing, the second-worst game of his career, and the shutout was the Dolphins’ first since a 27-0 loss at Buffalo in 1987.

Harbaugh, who two weeks ago said he accepted responsibility for his part in the Colts’ dismal season, completed 20 of 26 passes. He had some help from a Miami defense that repeatedly left his receivers open.

“They just caught us at the right time,” Miami cornerback Terrell Buckley said. “Sometimes you come out flat. If you can come out every game and be fired up, then you’re taking something.”