Defense Carries Dolphins

With another strong defensive stand at home, the Miami Dolphins smothered, stuffed and sacked the St. Louis Rams.

Miami recorded its second consecutive home shutout and Dan Marino threw two touchdown passes in a 14-0 victory Sunday.

The Dolphins (4-2), who defeated Pittsburgh, 21-0, at home Sept. 20, haven’t given up a point at Pro Player Stadium in 10 consecutive quarters. Miami has given up only 70 points this season, fewest in the NFL.

“It’s good to know you can go out and make a mistake or two and the defense can keep you in the game,” said Marino, who was 14 for 26 for 114 yards. “That’s what happened today.”

The Rams (2-4) totaled 204 yards and punted eight times.

“They do a lot of things other teams can’t do because other teams don’t have their speed,” said St. Louis quarterback Tony Banks, who completed 14 of 29 passes for 143 yards with one interception and was sacked four times.

Marino’s one-yard touchdown pass to Oronde Gadsden with six seconds remaining in the first half broke a scoreless tie. Rookie John Avery added his first NFL touchdown on a 19-yard pass from Marino with 10 minutes to go.

Pass interference penalties on Todd Lyght set up both scores.

“When the refs are giving teams touchdowns, you can’t play above that,” Lyght said. “The refs gave them everything they got.”

The Rams’ biggest gain, a 67-yard punt return by Eddie Kennison to the Miami 13, was negated by two holding penalties. St. Louis committed two turnovers, both in the final five minutes.

This season, Miami has given up 67 points in three road games and seven points in three home games.