Dolphins nearing worst-ever status
The Miami Dolphins (0-13) are off to the third-worst start to a season in NFL history, joining Oakland (1962) and Indianapolis (1986) after losing 38-17 to Buffalo on Sunday. And the Dolphins, who play host to Baltimore next weekend, are one loss short of matching the 0-14 record set by Tampa Bay, as an expansion team in 1976, and New Orleans in 1986.
Miami has lost 16 straight dating to last season, matching the eighth longest streak in NFL history. They had previously never lost 13 games in one season.
Miami is three losses away from becoming the first team to go winless in a 16-game campaign. After the game against Baltimore, the Dolphins play at New England and then finish the season at home against Cincinnati.
Injuries mount up around league
San Francisco quarterback Trent Dilfer left the 49ers’ 27-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a concussion after taking a hard hit shortly before halftime. Dilfer, a 14th-year pro who has been leading the 49ers’ struggling offense in Alex Smith’s absence, scrambled in an attempt to pick up a first down in the final minute of the first half. Backup cornerback Charles Gordon made the tackle by driving his left shoulder into Dilfer’s helmet. … Buffalo safety George Wilson was taken to the hospital after he fractured two ribs in the Bills’ 38-17 victory over Miami. … Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman left the game against Tennessee in the second quarter with a left knee injury and didn’t return. … Arizona tight end Leonard Pope was taken off the field on a cart after injuring his right ankle late in the third quarter of the Cardinals’ 42-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Taylor, James move up career rushing list
Jacksonville’s Fred Taylor ran for 132 yards to pass Eddie George (10,441) and Tiki Barber (10,449) on the NFL’s career rushing list, moving into 18th place with 10,457 yards.
Edgerrin James of Arizona had 46 yards on 13 carries to move into 13th on the all-time rushing list, past John Riggins. James has 11,353 yards.
Browns, Jets score rapidly in short span
The Browns and Jets combined for 19 points in the final 2:59 of Cleveland’s 24-18 win. Cleveland took a 17-6 lead with 12:59 to play, and the Jets scored a touchdown 10 minutes later. After a failed 2-point conversion, the Jets got a field goal from Mike Nugent, Jamal Lewis ran for a TD and Nugent kicked another field goal with 32 seconds on the clock.
Rams’ Holt in select company
Torry Holt topped 1,000 yards receiving for the eighth straight year. Only Jerry Rice (11), Tim Brown (9), Cris Carter (8) and Marvin Harrison (8) have had such streaks. Holt had eight receptions for 90 yards in St. Louis’ loss to Cincinnati.