Dolphins Turn Up the Offense

The Miami Dolphin offense shows signs of improvement. Or maybe the Indianapolis Colts are just getting worse.

Rookie John Avery rushed for 100 yards and O.J. McDuffie caught two touchdown passes to spark an attack that has sputtered for most of the season, and the Dolphins beat the hapless Colts, 27-14, Sunday.

“I believe in my heart we’re going to be one of the better teams at the end of the year,” quarterback Dan Marino said.

Miami, averaging 269 yards a game, outgained Indianapolis, 279-57, in the first half to build a 20-0 lead.

“The offense came out blazing early, gave us a lead and made Indy do things they didn’t want to do,” Miami defensive end Trace Armstrong said.

Peyton Manning threw for 140 yards, completing 22 of 42 attempts with two interceptions and one touchdown.

“Frustrating,” Manning said. “A lot of games this year have been frustrating.”

The Colts fell to 1-8 with their fourth consecutive loss, and they’re 0-6 in the division. The Dolphins improved to 6-3, leaving them tied with the New York Jets for the best record in the AFC East.

This victory was different, though. The Dolphins finally had an offensive performance to match their dominating defense.

McDuffie made his first touchdown receptions in 21 games on pass plays covering 61 and six yards from Marino. Miami rushed for a season-high 153 yards, including Avery’s eight-yard touchdown run, and Olindo Mare had field goals of 21 and 23 yards.

The defense, meanwhile, shut out Indianapolis for the first 52 minutes, extending Miami’s home streak without allowing a touchdown to 17 quarters.

With the outcome decided, the Colts got a six-yard touchdown run from Marshall Faulk and a nine-yard scoring pass from Manning to Ken Dilger.

Marino, who completed his first nine passes, finished 18 for 27 for 207 yards, with McDuffie making nine catches for 132 yards. Avery, playing a more prominent role in the offense, carried a season-high 21 times for his first 100-yard game.