Miami Advances in NFL Playoffs
M I A M I, Dec. 30 -- With an NFL-record performance by Lamar Smith, aresilient quarterback and stout defense, the surprising MiamiDolphins handed Jim Mora another playoff loss.
Smith scored on his 40th carry, a 17-yard run in overtime for a23-17 wild-card playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts today. Jay Fiedler overcame three first-half interceptions to lead a comeback from a 14-point deficit in the second half, andMiami tied the game in the final minute of regulation.
Smith’s 40 carries was an NFL playoff record, and his 209 yardswere the second most in playoff history behind Eric Dickerson’s 248in 1985 against Dallas. Smith dragged cornerback Jeff Burris intothe end zone for the winning score, then was swarmed by jubilantteammates.
Dolphins Advance
Miami drove 61 yards in 11 plays for the touchdown after theColts’ Mike Vanderjagt pushed a 49-yard field goal attempt wideright.
Mora, at 65 the oldest active coach in NFL, fell to 0-6 in theplayoffs in 14 seasons, including two losses with the Colts. He’sthe only coach in NFL history with at least 100 regular-season winsand no wins in the postseason.
The surprising Dolphins (12-5), who won the AFC East for thefirst time since 1994, advanced to the second round today atOakland. The Colts (10-7) were eliminated in their opening playoffgame for the second year in a row.
Win in Overtime
The Dolphins forced the overtime by scoring with 34 seconds leftin regulation. They started at their own 20 with 4:48 to gotrailing 17-10, and Fiedler directed 14-play drive that culminatedwith his 9-yard touchdown pass to backup tight end Jed Weaver onthird-and-goal.
Fiedler shook off three first-half interceptions that led to 11points. The Dolphins’ defense kept the game close by containing thedangerous trio of Edgerrin James, Peyton Manning and MarvinHarrison.
Boos and Cheers For Fiedler
The game was the first NFL playoff game since 1993 to be blackedout. But it sold out today, and the crowd booed loudly whenFiedler threw his third interception.
