MARINO vs. KOSAR : Monday Night Game Offers a Contrast in Quarterbacks

They are a contrast in quarterbacking styles, Miami’s Dan Marino and Cleveland’s Bernie Kosar.

Marino is as fluid and graceful as a Baryshnikov while the plodding Kosar has two left feet any wallflower can appreciate.

When asked to contrast the two quarterbacks, Dolphins Coach Don Shula chose to be discreet.

“Danny’s very smooth and Bernie’s, uh, very deliberate,” said Shula.

Shula, however, termed the two equal at putting points on the board.

“Bernie will never be a picture-perfect player, but the guy can throw,” he said. “That the important part--being able to direct and offense and see the play. Bernie can do it and Dan can do it.”

The Dolphins meet the Browns Monday night at Cleveland Stadium in a rematch of the Jan. 4 playoff game won by Miami, 24-21. Cleveland leads the regular-season series by a 3-1 edge.

“I wouldn’t say we’re primarily looking for revenge,” said Brown Coach Marty Schottenheimer. “The main thing is to win.

“Miami’s got a number of excellent wide receivers and the best quarterback in the game. That adds up to the top passing attack in the league (284.6 average yards per game).”

The two teams met in the preseason, and Cleveland won, 17-10, at Miami. To date, the Dolphins have gone 4-5 while the Browns are 6-3.

“I don’t think records mean much at this point,” said Kosar. “It’s clear to us that Miami’s a strong team that’s gaining momentum. We must be prepared for them.”

Marino has completed 189 of 328 attempts for 2,546 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He had four touchdown passes against Houston last week.

“I’ve cut down on the interceptions in recent weeks,” he said. “It’s no secret we like to throw the ball, and we won’t deviate from that strategy. You have to go with your strengths.

“We know they’ve won five of six but we’ve won three of four and we’ve played well.”

Cleveland’s pass defense, fourth-best in the AFC with a 187.1-yard average, will be tested by Miami wideouts Mark Duper (36 catches for 711 yards and five touchdowns) and Mark Clayton (35 for 726, six scores).

Though the Dolphins’ ineffective running game is the third worst in the NFL, the passing attack is enough concern, says Browns cornerback Frank Minnifield.

“Those two are dangerous,” he said. “They’re elusive and have great hands. They’re the best pair of starting wideouts in the game, so Hanford (Dixon) and I have to be at our best and we will. If they succeed, it won’t be because we weren’t trying.”

Cleveland is bolstered by its four-man defensive line that has improved markedly against the run of late, while nose tackle Dave Puzzouli and defensive ends Sam Clancy, Reggie Camp and Carl Hairston have combined for 20 sacks.

“There’s a new confidence in their play,” said Shula. “You can sense they want the quarterback, so our offensive line had better be ready.”

Kosar (167 for 270, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions) has enjoyed improved pass protection. He is the fourth-ranked passer in the AFC--one spot ahead of Marino.

However, the Browns’ running game is second-worst in the league without Earnest Byner. Kevin Mack (58 for 186, 2 touchdowns) and Curtis Dickey (60 for 245, 2 touchdowns) have been erratic.

Miami’s running game has been equally mediocre. Running back Lorenzo Hampton (99 carries for 363, 6 scores) and Tony Nathan (21 for 167) have been eclipsed by the Dolphins’ passing, but Nathan has 30 catches for 292 yards and a touchdown.

Miami has two players whose status is questionable: rookie linebacker John Offerdahl (ankle) and right tackle Greg Koch (hip).

For Cleveland, Gerald McNeil (knee), the top kick returner (23.5 yards) in AFC, is questionable. Webster Slaughter or Clarence Weathers are likely replacements.