October 14, 2002
 

MARE’S LAST-SECOND FIELD GOAL LIFTS DOLPHINS OVER BRONCOS

Miami Dolphins K OLINDO MARE connected on a 53-yard field goal with six seconds left in Sunday night’s game to lift the Dolphins to a 24-22 win over the host Denver Broncos.

Mare’s kick came less than a minute after Denver took the lead on a 55-yard field goal by K JASON ELAM.  Despite playing the final series with a broken thumb, Miami QB JAY FIEDLER drove the Dolphins into field-goal range to set up Mare’s seventh career game-winning kick. 

With the Broncos leading 12-7 early in the fourth quarter, Miami intercepted Denver QB BRIAN GRIESE on consecutive possessions.  Dolphins RB RICKY WILLIAMS scored on a two-yard touchdown run after the first interception.  Then CB PATRICK SURTAIN returned the second pickoff 40 yards for a score.

Griese responded by leading the Broncos 80 yards on the ensuing drive, capping it with a one-yard touchdown pass to FB MIKE ANDERSON.  Denver’s defense held Miami on the following possession and Griese drove the Broncos into range for what appeared to be a game-winning field goal by Elam, giving Denver a 22-21 advantage before Mare’s last-second heroics.