The record-setting performance of Miami's defense has overshadowed one of the worst offensive starts in team history.

        The Dolphins' 59 points in four games are a bounty compared to the Bengals' seven in three games, but there is concern in Miami that the defense can't continue to carry the offense.

        Regardless, the Dolphins are 3-1 and are the first team since the 1937 Bears to allow seven or fewer points in the first four games of a season.

        On offense, they are a running team. Lamar Smith has 277 yards on 80 carries and two rushing touchdowns.

        Here's a closer look at the Bengals' opponent Sunday:

Thumbs up
        • Turnover ratio. The Dolphins are second in the league at plus-7.

        Their nine interceptions lead the NFL, and thay have recovered four fumbles. They have a knack, as they did Sunday against New Eng land, of getting turnovers after the other team has driven into their red zone.

        • Secondary. Miami gives up 178 yards a game passing — more than its quarterbacks have in a week — but the secondary has picked off nine passes. Three of their defensive backs have two interceptions: Brock Marion, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain.

        • Defensive line. The Dolphins have 15 sacks, 6¹/₂ by ageless defensive end Trace Armstrong, and have limited opponents to 92¹/₂ yards rushing a game, 11th best in the league.

        • Field goals. Olindo Mare had 144 points in 1999, best ever for a Miami player, and is off to another good start. He is 6-of-6 in field goals.

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        • Passing offense. The Dolphins are last in the league with 145¹/₂ passing yards a game, two positions lower than Cincinnati's 153 a game.

        Quarterback Jay Fiedler is 50-of-95 for 622 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. No receiver has more than 10 catches through four games.

        • Defense on first down. This is an outstanding unit in terms of points allowed, but the Dolphins' defense does give up yards. It allows 4.80 yards on first down.

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