The once written-off Miami Dolphins moved back into the NFL playoff picture with a 24-17 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.
A day after learning Ronnie Brown is lost for the season, the Dolphins continued their recent surge after an 0-3 start behind 32-year-old Ricky Williams, who rushed for 119 yards and scored three touchdowns. The 2002 NFL rushing champion had a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game for the first time in his career.
It was enough to beat the Panthers, whose last chance came when Jake Delhomme’s desperation pass into the end zone was knocked down as time expired.
DeAngelo Williams rushed for 122 yards, but Delhomme had his streak of three games without an interception snapped, then couldn’t lead a late comeback bid.
The Dolphins’ first touchdown drive came during the second quarter — Chad Henne’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Williams, who wrestled away from linebacker Na’il Diggs.
Miami took a 14-3 halftime lead when Williams took the direct snap at the 1 and got to the end zone ahead of speedy linebacker Jon Beason.
The Panthers got within 17-14 on Steve Smith’s leaping 27-yard touchdown catch and DeAngelo Williams’ two-point conversion run with 5:18 left, but Ricky Williams bounced to the outside and shook off Sherrod Martin at the Carolina 5 on a 46-yard touchdown run on the ensuing possession.
Williams also caught two passes for 19 yards and a touchdown.
Chad Henne overcame losing his center and his backup and committed no turnovers.
It was a crushing loss for the Panthers, who had also begun eyeing the playoffs after an 0-3 start.
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