PRO FOOTBALL : Dolphins Do a Big Number on Jets, 28-14 : AFC: Kirby’s running, Marino’s passing and Jackson’s lateraling help Miami defeat rivals and stay unbeaten.
MIAMI — Ingenuity, interceptions and Terry Kirby helped the Miami Dolphins halt the hex cast by the New York Jets.
Kirby rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown, an injury-plagued defense intercepted four passes and Keith Jackson lateraled to Irving Fryar for a short touchdown Sunday as Miami handed New York its first loss, 28-14.
Miami (3-0) took sole possession of first place in the AFC East and beat division rival New York for only the second time in the last seven tries.
“I was tired of losing to the Jets,” said J.B. Brown, who had an interception to set up a touchdown. “Tell all the New Yorkers that live down here that we kicked the Jets’ butt.”
Dan Marino made Miami’s domination complete by completing 23 of 31 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
“I’m very proud of this team,” Coach Don Shula said. “That was one outstanding effort.”
The quick start bodes well for the Dolphins, who made the playoffs six of the seven previous times they began 3-0.
“It’s a good feeling,” Marino said, “a lot better than 2-1.”
Jet safety Ronnie Lott said, “Miami gave us an old-fashioned beating.”
Boomer Esiason, whose four interceptions all came in Miami territory, said, “We realize we’re not the Steelers of the ‘70s or the Packers of the ‘60s.”
Kirby, a second-year player from Virginia, carried 15 times for his first 100-yard game, helping Miami keep the ball away from the Jets and wearing down their defense on a sunny, 90-degree day.
“The only way we’re going to make it to ‘The Show’ is to both run and pass the ball,” Kirby said.
Jackson caught six passes for 100 yards--his best effort in three seasons with Miami. Jackson also contributed the game’s most memorable play when he avoided being tackled at the one-yard line by tossing a lateral to Fryar, who scored for a 21-7 lead.
The Dolphins’ defense, depleted by injuries at linebacker and cornerback, nonetheless frustrated New York.
Cornerback Darrell Malone and rookie linebacker Aubrey Beavers--both playing more because of injuries to others--came up with the first interceptions of their career to thwart early threats. Beavers made a diving catch of a pass bobbled by tight end Johnny Mitchell after New York had reached Miami’s 39-yard line. “We killed ourselves,” Mitchell said. “I just want to forget this game.”
Jet defensive end Marvin Washington said, “We started out tight and sloppy, and we were consistent. We were tight and sloppy the whole game.”
Former Ram Michael Stewart intercepted an Esiason pass in the fourth quarter.
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