Without Marino, Dolphins on the Run

With Dan Marino not expected to return until next week, the Dolphins will continue to rely on Cecil “the Diesel” Collins and J.J. Johnson against Tennessee. In the first four games of the season, Miami averaged 82 yards rushing per game and 2.8 yards per carry. In the last three games, they have averaged 137 and 3.6.

“Since Marino has been out, they’ve been pounding the ball,” Titan defensive end Jevon Kearse said. “They’ve got two young running backs who have been getting the job done.”

In Indianapolis, all the work has gone to rookie Edgerrin James, the only running back to carry the ball for the Colts this season. James leads the AFC in rushing with 637 yards and in total yards from scrimmage with 842.

Though he was selected AFC offensive player of the week for his 200-yard effort against Dallas last week, James didn’t think he deserved the award after fumbling three times. A teammate recovered each time.

“I hate fumbles,” James said. “Sometimes they come because I’m trying to get a few more yards. That’s something I’ve got to remember, that sometimes it is best to just go down.”