Jets shoot down Dolphins
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Your support makes all the difference.If the Miami Dolphins fail to make the playoffs, they can blame the New York Jets.
If the Miami Dolphins fail to make the playoffs, they can blame the New York Jets.
Dan Marino threw two costly interceptions, Ray Lucas threw two fourth-quarter touchdown bombs on Monday night and New York beat Miami for the second time in 15 days, 38-31.
The Jets (7-8), playing only for pride, came from behind twice in the second half. Lucas' 50-yard scoring pass to Wayne Chrebet put New York ahead 31-28 with 10:41 left, and his next pass less than two minutes later went to Dedric Ward for a 56-yard touchdown and a 38-28 lead.
The Dolphins (9-6) lost for the fifth time in seven games. But even if they lose again Sunday at Washington, they can still back into a wild-card playoff berth if Seattle or Kansas City lose.
With Miami's defeat, the Buffalo Bills clinched a playoff berth.
The game was hyped as perhaps the final performance in Miami by the 38-year-old Marino, who hasn't said whether he wants to play next season. He showed flashes of the talent that has made him the most prolific passer in National Football League history, but at times he looked ready for retirement.
Marino went 29-for-52 for 322 yards and three touchdowns, but his interceptions gave New York 14 points. Marcus Coleman scored on a 98-yard return, and linebacker Roman Phifer's interception at the Miami 5 set up another touchdown.
Marino's scoring passes covered 1 yard to Ed Perry, 3 yards to Stanley Pritchett and 32 yards on a flea-flicker to Tony Martin.
Lucas led the Jets to their fourth win in a row, completing 11 of 23 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns. The scoring throws in the fourth quarter were the longest of his three-year career.
J.J. Johnson's 1-yard touchdown dive early in the final period gave Miami a 28-24 lead. But on the next series, Lucas threw long to a wide-open Chrebet, who shook Patrick Surtain on third-and-5 and put New York ahead to stay.
Miami's Olindo Mare missed a potential tying 54-yard field goal with nine minutes left. On the next play, Ward beat Terrell Buckley deep for another score.
Mare made a 37-yarder with 2:20 to go, setting an NFL record with his 38th field goal of the season. Coleman recovered his ensuing onside kick, and the Jets ran out the clock.
Two bad throws by Marino kept the Jets ahead most of the night.
With New York leading 10-7 in the second quarter, Coleman stepped in front of intended receiver O.J. McDuffie for an interception, easily juked past a flailing Marino and sprinted the rest of the way untouched.
The interception was the seventh returned for a score against Miami this season, tying an NFL record. Five of the interceptions were thrown by Marino.
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