The NFL's oldest player became the Miami Dolphins' latest winning quarterback.
Steve DeBerg threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes Sunday in Miami debut as the Dolphins rallied to beat the New England Patriots 17-13.Signed as a free agent less than two weeks ago, DeBerg became the fourth Dolphins quarterback to play a role in a victory this year. They're 5-1 since Dan Marino's season-ending injury.
"It's hard to stop this team from scoring," DeBerg said.
Defense also played a role. Four New England possessions that reached Miami's 20-yard line produced just two field goals.
"When you have a new quarterback coming in, the burden is on the defense," Miami linebacker Bryan Cox said. "We knew we had to stand tall."
The Dolphins remain tied for the AFC East lead with Buffalo at 8-2. No NFL team has a better record.
Coach Don Shula's 326th victory ranked among his most impressive. He was working with a hastily prepared 39-year-old quarterback forced into the starting lineup because of an injury to Marino's replacement, Scott Mitchell.
"Needless to say, Steve DeBerg got a game ball," Shula said. "What a job he did in a short period of time with us. There aren't many people who could come in and pick up our offense the way he did."
DeBerg completed 16 of 27 passes for 252 yards with no interceptions. His touchdown passes covered 11 yards to Keith Byars and 44 yards to ex-Patriots star Irving Fryar.
A 16-year veteran, DeBerg improved to 52-83-1 as a starter.
"This is probably one of the biggest wins of my career," he said.
Giants 7, Eagles 3
At Philadelphia, New York got the only offense it needed when Phil Simms threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Mark Jackson on the first play of the fourth quarter.
The Giants (7-3) won at Veterans Stadium for the first time since 1987. They also surpassed last year's record of 6-10.
Bills 23, Colts 9
At Orchard Park, N.Y., Jim Kelly came back from last week's concussion and guided Buffalo past Indianapolis. Kelly was injured in a 23-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Monday night.
Thurman Thomas ran for 116 yards for Buffalo (8-2). The Colts (3-7) lost for the sixth time in seven games.
Jets 17, Bengals 12
At East Rutherford, N.J., Boomer Esiason passed Ken Stabler as the NFL's career passing leader among left-handed quarterbacks, and led New York over his former team.
The Jets (6-4) won their fourth straight, their longest streak since 1986. Cincinnati (0-10) remained the league's only winless team.
Packers 26, Lions 17
At Milwaukee, Chris Jacke kicked four field goals and Edgar Bennett scored on two short runs, leading Green Bay over Detroit.
Jacke's 34-yard kick with 9:03 left put the Packers ahead for good. Green Bay stopped the Lions' four game winning streak.
Oilers 27, Browns 20
At Cleveland, Marcus Robertson made three of Houston's four interceptions as the Oilers matched the longest winning streak in team history with their fifth straight victory.
Gary Brown ran for 194 yards for the Oilers (6-4). Houston also recovered a fumble and blocked a punt.
Raiders 12, Chargers 7
At San Diego, Jeff Jaeger's four field goals were enough to send Los Angeles past the Chargers. He had a pair of 20-yarders in the first half, a 37-yard kick in the third quarter and a 27-yarder in the fourth period.
Los Angeles (6-4) won for the fourth time in six games. Stan Humphries played for the first time in six weeks for San Diego (4-6), but was only 8-for-12 for 84 yards.
Rams 10, Redskins 6
At Anaheim, Calif., T.J. Rubley took over for Jim Everett late in the third quarter and led Los Angeles over Washington. Rubley threw a touchdown pass and guided the Rams on another drive to a field goal.
In a game between two teams with quarterback troubles, the Rams (3-7) stopped a five-game losing streak. The Redskins (2-8) did not score a touchdown for the second consecutive week and have lost eight of nine.
Buccaneers 23, Vikings 10
At Tampa, Fla. Vince Workman more than doubled is season rushing total with 58 yards and also caught seven passes for 65 yards.
Craig Erickson threw 27 yards to Horace Copeland to set up Workman's 1-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown run and Milton Mack returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown on the second play after halftime for Tampa Bay (3-7).