Miami’s Johnson Juggles Numbers

Moments after Miami coach Jimmy Johnson said statistics mean nothing in the preseason, he used them to try to point to something good in the Dolphins’ dismal loss to Tampa Bay.

“Anybody who gets caught up with statistics in preseason is really off base,” Johnson said Sunday. “It may be an indicator and something to be concerned about, but I wouldn’t really get carried away with it.”

But Johnson cited opponents’ yards per play, which have decreased from 6.2 yards per play to 3.6 in the preseason, to show that his defense is improving.

“I feel good about where our football team is,” Johnson said. “Not only has it (the defense) gotten better as the preseason has gone on, it was actually outstanding last night.”

Johnson was very unhappy Saturday night after Miami’s 24-10 loss to the Buccaneers. He was overheard in the locker room telling players to pack quickly or risk being left behind.

Oilers lack punch

Three exhibition losses are only part of the Tennessee Oilers’ rough start in their new state, and coach Jeff Fisher’s patience is wearing thin.

His first-team offense, which still hasn’t scored a touchdown, dropped passes, couldn’t line up right and turned the ball over five times in losing to the San Diego Chargers 21-7 Saturday night.

“We have to learn how to win,” Fisher said. “Before you learn how to win, you have to score points.” Fisher plans to work harder on running and throwing the football this week before ending the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys Friday. Steve McNair has been impressive in practice so the coach is sure that his No. 1 quarterback isn’t the only person at fault.

Johnson prepares

Injured Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell won’t be lost for the season as first feared.

Still, the Jaguars figure to be without Brunell for about two months, and Rob Johnson is set to make his first start in his absence in tonight’s exhibition against the San Francisco 49ers.

“We’ve got a real good nucleus here so hopefully I’ll just be part of that,” said Johnson, thrust into the starting role after being the only backup in the NFL last season not to take a snap.

“You get butterflies before you play but that’s natural. It’s just adrenaline.”