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Johnson mostly mum on Marino
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Dan Marino's most vocal critic had little to say on the
subject Monday.
Jimmy Johnson stepped to the microphones for his weekly news conference and
offered a five-minute opening statement on the Miami Dolphins' 34-31 victory
Sunday over the Indianapolis Colts. But those comments included no reference to
Marino's 393-yard passing performance or his heroics that produced 25 points in
the fourth quarter.
And when Johnson was asked about reports that he met last week with Marino
and threatened to bench him, the coach cut off the question as he made a brisk
exit.
"I am so sick of some of these ..." he said, not finishing the sentence.
"Enough, OK? Enough."
So it's probably safe to conclude that Sunday's thrilling win failed to
repair the rift that developed last week when Johnson criticized Marino
following a 23-18 loss to Buffalo. The strain will likely remain as the
Dolphins (3-1) prepare for Sunday's game at New England (4-1) in another AFC
East showdown.
There was no criticism Monday of the quarterback by the coach, but there was
scant praise. In his opening comments, Johnson said running back Cecil Collins,
center Tim Ruddy, cornerback Sam Madison and linebacker Zach Thomas played
well. The rest of the defense, the special teams and tackle Brent Smith did
not.
When asked about Marino, Johnson said: "Dan played fantastic in the fourth
quarter. Obviously when you score 25 points, it's about as good as you can
get."
In fact, Marino responded to last week's controversy with one of the
greatest performances in his 17-year career. Johnson has denied that his
criticism was an attempt to motivate Marino, but that was the result.
In the final period alone, Marino was 12-of-17 for 176 yards and two
touchdowns, including the game-winner with 27 seconds left.
"Dan doesn't quit," Collins said. "He doesn't have too many years left to
play, so he doesn't take losses too well."
The victory was reminiscent of many during Marino's career. The running game
stalled and the defense struggled, but the quarterback went 25-of-38. The
393-yard performance was his most productive in four seasons under Johnson.
After being accused last week of making poor decisions and becoming
flustered by pass rushers, Marino didn't commit a turnover. He was knocked down
at least 10 times but wasn't sacked. As a formidable footnote, he closed to
within 7 yards of 60,000, an NFL record certain to stand for many years.
Marino didn't speak with reporters Monday. When asked Sunday about his
gallant performance in the face of criticism, he said: "I couldn't care less.
You guys can write what you want. ...
"We played our guts out. A lot of people came up big in tough situations."
Marino most of all. For now, at least, he has silenced his harshest critic.
The Associated Press News Service Copyright 1999 The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without prior written authority of The Associated Press.
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