Keyshawn Has Ball in This One

Give Keyshawn Johnson one man to beat, then give him the ball.

Johnson relishes the man-for-man matchups he rarely sees. He got what he wanted Sunday, and responded with one of the best games of his career in the New York Jets’ 28-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

“I ran up against a defense where I see the best cornerback in Sam Madison, “ said the Jet receiver from USC after he caught 11 passes for 144 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns. “That’s pretty much what I did today and I was able to get free.

“Early in the week, I said I was disappointed [Giant cornerback] Jason Sehorn [also from USC] got hurt and did not play, because it means I get man coverage, one guy.”

Miami’s one guy, Madison, whose seven interceptions lead the league, couldn’t handle Johnson. And when someone else was on him, Johnson still got open.

“He made some great plays, some great one-handed catches,” Madison said. “We challenged him all day, but he kept coming through, kept making the big play.”

The big play has been missing for the Dolphins (8-5), who have lost three in a row and four of five.

Dan Marino, who has had more success against the Jets than anyone else, was a mediocre 18 for 39 for 192 yards, and particularly struggled in the second half. His afternoon ended when Omar Stoutmire returned an interception 67 yards for a score.

“I was very inconsistent,” said Marino, who often looked like the same rusty quarterback who lost to Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, his first game back from a shoulder injury. “We’ve got to win somehow. It’s a sad situation.”

Marino was outplayed by Jet rookie Ray Lucas, who went 22 for 38 for 230 yards and looked poised in leading a second-half comeback.

“I thought Ray did a good job,” Jet Coach Bill Parcells said. “That’s by far his best performance. He made some clutch throws.”

The Jets (5-8), coming off their worst performance under Parcells, were stale early as Miami grabbed a 6-0 lead. Marino completed his first five passes, leading to Olindo Mare’s 24-yard field goal. Mare also made a 33-yarder four plays after Dwight Stone fumbled the kickoff at his 23.