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A first for everything Fiedler shows some magic in fourth quarter
Updated: Tuesday December 26, 2000 11:04 AM
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- With his first fourth-quarter comeback of the season, Jay Fiedler gave Miami's oft-maligned offense a big confidence boost heading into the postseason. Head coach Dave Wannstedt figures that might be all the Dolphins needed to rebound from a late-season slump and possibly make a run to the Super Bowl. "It changes an awful lot confidence-wise," Wannstedt said Monday. "Our defense has been steady and confident all year. But the play of our offense in the fourth quarter -- the receivers making some catches and the quarterback making some throws -- that's something that we needed. "That is a real confidence boost, especially when you look back on how the games ended against Indianapolis and against Tampa." Fiedler, a Dartmouth graduate, completed 30 of 45 passes for 264 yards (all season highs) and threw for a touchdown to help Miami beat New England 27-24 on Sunday and win the AFC East for the first time since 1994. Maybe more important, Fiedler didn't have a turnover. He had five interceptions, one fumble and no touchdown passes in the previous two games, both losses in which the Dolphins failed to reach the end zone in the fourth quarter. But against the Patriots, Fiedler led the Dolphins to 10 points in the final period, rallying them from a 24-17 deficit. Both scoring drives were kept alive on key third-down plays. Fiedler connected with O.J. McDuffie on a third-and-15 play, setting up Lamar Smith's 1-yard run to tie the game. Then Fiedler found Autry Denson for a 12-yard gain on a third-and-9 play that led to Olindo Mare's winning field goal with nine seconds remaining. "It was the first time that he's been in a situation where he's really brought us from behind," Wannstedt said. "We had to score 10 points in the fourth quarter in those conditions. And he made good decisions, he made good throws and he made a couple of plays with his feet -- moving around and scrambling. That performance by Jay is hopefully something that will carry over to this week." The Dolphins (11-5) play host to Indianapolis (10-6) on Saturday in the first round of the playoffs. It will be their third meeting in the last five weeks. The Colts, who have won three in a row, beat Miami 20-13 on Dec. 17, just three weeks after losing 17-14 to the Dolphins at home. "We look forward to seeing them again and getting a chance to avenge our last loss," Miami defensive end Jason Taylor said.
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