The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • 27

RL0RfD4 The Orlando Sentinel, Sunday, October 16, 1988 C-1 1 THE NFL Dolphins have lost the touch while Chargers lack the talent Week 7 By Brian Schmitz AMERICAN CONFERENCE if OF THE SENTINEL STAFF U5 1 sj" 1 1 BANKS RELEASED SAN DIEGO Chargers linebacker Chip Banks was released from the Atlanta city jail on $3,600 bond Saturday hours after being arrested on drug and traffic charges. Banks was arrested Friday night after officers who stopped him at a routine roadblock thought they smelled marijuana Police officers say they found about one-half ounce of marijuana and four packets of crack cocaine in Banks' gold Mercedes convertible. Banks was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine and driving without a license. He has been a contract holdout this season. BROWN RETURNS WIDE RECEIVER Ron Brown, who retired from the Los Angeles Rams last spring in an attempt to make the U.S.

Olympic team for a second time, has agreed to a one-year contract. Brown had no option but to return to the Rams after the team failed to trade him. Brown had turned down a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in training camp. WRIGHT IS WRONG THE GREEN Bay Packers said quarterback Randy Wright won't play today against Minnesota, meaning Don Majkowski will be the starter for the second week in a row. Wright, recovering from a groin injury, missed last week's game against New England, which the Packers won, 45-3.

TOUGH GUY DENVER BRONCOS offensive guard Keith Bishop, regarded as one of the NFL's best long-snappers, Is expected to play today against Atlanta despite a broken left thumb. Bishop broke the thumb in practice this week. He will snap punts with a bandage the size of a boxing glove on his hand. Compiled from wire reports DAVID POU-ERSENTINEL Dolphins rely on Jim Jensen to make big plays. EAST Pet.

PF PA Div. Conf. Buffalo 5 1 0 833 111 105 3-0 4-0 NY Jets 3 2 1 .583 124 97 0-1 2-2-1 Miami 3 3 0 .500 99 96 0-2 il New England 2 4 0 .333 78 148 2-1 2-2 Indianapolis 1 5 0 .167 99 125 1-2 14 CENTRAL Cincinnati 6 0 0 1 000 171 107 3-0 4-0 Houston 4 2 0 .667 119 138 0-0 Cleveland 3 3 0 .600 82 96 1-1 3-3 Pittsburgh 1 5 0 .167 116 158 0-2 "bH WEST Seattle 4 2 0 667 112 109 2-1 TT Denver 3 3 0 .500 116 87 2-3 2-3 LA Raiders 2 4 0 .333 141 169 2-0 2-3 San Diego 2 4 0 .333 74 122 2-3 24 Kansas City 1 4 1 .250 79 98 1-2 1-4-1 NATIONAL CONFERENCE EAST Vs! VsT Pet PF PA Div. Conf. Phoenix 4 2 0 .667 160 124 1-1 TT NY Giants 3 3 0 .500 124 142 3-1 3-3 Philadelphia 3 3 0 -500 152 118 1-1 2-2 Washington 3 3 0 .500 146 137 2-3 2-3 Dallas 2 4 0 .333 108 125 1-2 2-3 CENTRAL Chicago 5 1 0 .833 160 124 1-1 3-1 Minnesota 4 2 0 .667 121 84 2-0 3-0 Tampa Bay 2 4 0 .333 100 132 2-1 2-4 Detroit 1 5 0 .167 85 117 0-1 1-4 Green Bay 1 15 0 .167 109 125 0-3 04 WEST LA Rams 5 1 0 .833 178 106 1-0 40 New Orleans 5 1 6 .833 140 112 1-1 4T San Francisco 4 2 0 .667 142 120 1-1 3-1 Atlanta 1 5 6 .167 112 167 1-2 15 TODAY'S GAMES LATEST LINE 1 tSBfataaaiiBI3M8ttett I Robbie Stadium, 4 p.m.

Expected crowd: 55,000. Who thought the day would come when the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers would get together to commiserate about their offensive problems? And brag about their defensive prowess? Today's the day. The Dolphins (3-3) and the Chargers (2-4), who meet at Robbie Stadium, hardly resemble the teams that rang up 78 points (San Diego 50, Miami 28) only two seasons ago. Miami-San Diego games of the '80s used to be wild roof-top chases three of the last four were decided in overtime with the winner averaging 34 points. Who can forget the all-time classic in '81 the Chargers' 41-38 playoff victory in overtime? Records were set in points (79) and yards Just another day at the offense.

Well, nobody expects that kind of action today. While the Dolphins have lost their touch, the Chargers have lost their talent. The Dolphins, who have boasted the top passing attack the last two years, are ranked 21st overall on offense. Yes, Dan Marino is still the quarterback, but he's in a slump (eight touchdowns, seven interceptions). "I'm getting tired of talking about why we're stopping ourselves," Marino said.

Coming off victories over Minnesota and the Los Angeles Raiders that put them back in the AFC East race, the Dolphins have reached a soft, but critical, stretch in the schedule. After playing San Diego, the Dolphins face the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Bucs and they don't have to leave the state. Then it's up to New England to play the floundering Pats before a big meeting with Buffalo at home on Nov. 14. Miami's offense needs to help the defense, which has carried the Dolphins the last five games.

Strange, but true. The Dolphins have gotten off to explosive starts against Minnesota and Los Angeles, scoring three touchdowns in each game in the first half. But the offense has disappeared in the second half, scoring only 16 points after racking up 82 in the opening quarters. The Chargers, who have scored less points (74) than any team in the NFL and rank last offensively, don't have the big-play people. Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Charlie Joiner and Wes Chandler have retired.

San Diego's defense (ranked 16th) has been impressive with linebacker Billy Ray Smith and end Lee Williams (five sacks) leading the way. The problem is the passing game, which never used to be a problem in the Air (Don) Coryell Era. "We haven't been throwing the ball accurately," Chargers Coach Al Saunders said. "We haven't been doing a good job of protection. And we haven't been doing a good job of catching the ball." Replacing Fouts was as hard as everybody figured it would be.

Babe Laufenberg won the job over Mark Malone. But Laufenberg sustained a rib injury last Sunday, giving Malone the start today. Laufenberg led San Diego to six touchdowns in six games; Malone has engineered a touchdown and two field goals in six quarters of preseason action and four quarters of regular-season play. "We have great skill people and tremendous speed," Malone said. "The problem is we haven't played too long together and we're making mistakes that have killed us." Broadcast: TV NBC (WESH-Ch.

2); Radio Do-phins Network, WHOO-AM (990) in despite Pease's 24 yards passing and three interceptions. Houston has strong ground game with Mike Rozier, Allen Pin-kett and Alonzo Highsmith running behind big line and should control ball. Steelers have defensive problems and rushed for only 78 yards against Cards in fifth consecutive loss! Injuries: OILERS QB Cody Carlson (right thumb) is out. STEELERS None serious. I Arrowhead Stadium, 1 p.m.

Last week: Los Angeles lost to Miami, 24-14; Kansas City lost to Houston, 7-6. Capsule: rf Bo Jackson is ready to run in his baseball neighborhood and Marcus Allen can come back, it will give Raiders much-needed lift. Continuing to struggle in loss to Miami last week, they rushed for only 78 yards, and Jay Schroeder tossed four interceptions for second week in row. Raiders, with injury-weakened defense, have yielded league-high 169 points. One bright spot is rookie Tim Brown, who leads NFL in kickoff returns and has 10 catches for 209 yards and three TDs.

Chiefs couldn't mount any offense in loss to Houston. Their pass defense is solid, but they have been vulnerable against run. Injuries: HAIDERS DE Howie Long (calf) is out. CHIEFS None serious. Coaches: Miami Don Shula (19th year, 187-81-2); San Diego Al Saunders (2nd year, 13-16 Last week: Miami defeated LA Raiders, 24-14; New Orleans defeated San Diego, 23-1 7.

Leading rushers: Miami Troy Stradford (57-193); San Diego Gary Anderson (75-321). Leading passers: Miami Dan Marino (109-197-7, 1,310, 8 TDs); San Diego Babe Laufenberg (54-106-4, 583 yards, 3 TD), Mark Malone (1 9-38-2, 208). Leading receivers: Miami Mark Clayton (25-353, 2 TDs), Stradford (23-209); San Diego Quinn Early (16-210). Injuries: Miami CB Paul Lankford (knee), LB David Frye (knee) are doubtful; DE John Bosa (thigh), CB Reyna Thompson (shoulder), FB Woody Bennett (back) are questionable; San Diego Laufenberg (ribs) doubtful, Anderson (leg), CB Elvis Patterson (shoulder), TE Eric Sievers (neck) are questionable. Notes: Chargers led Saints, 14-0, before losing and knocked off Seattle, 17-6, in Week 3.

Miami has scored 12 of 15 times inside opponent's 20-yard line. Dolphins have allowed only seven sacks, fewest in AFC. Marino is 0-2 as a starter against the Chargers despite completing 51 of 77 passes for 628 yards and 5 TDs. Chargers Ralf Mojsiejenko leads NFL with a 48.3 average. Dolphins reserve defensive lineman Jackie Cline got a sack Friday.

According to Dolphins officials, the Elias News Bu: reau credited Cline with a sack against the Raiders, bringing Miami's total to 17. BRIAN SCHMITZ Colts by 6 Dolphins by 9V4 Bengals by 5ft Bears by 7 Giants by 11 ft Vikings by 10 Steelers by 1 Chiefs by 3ft Pick'em Redskins by 6ft Rams by 1 ft Seahawks by 2ft Broncos by 13 Tampa Bay at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. San Diego at Miami, 4 p.m. Cincinnati at New England, 1 p.m. Dallas at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Detroit at NY Giants. 1 p.m. Green Bay at Minnesota. 1 p.m. Houston at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

LA Raiders at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Phoenix at Washington, 1 p.m. San Francisco at LA Rams, 4 p.m. New Orleans at Seattle, 4 p.m.

Atlanta at Denver, 4 p.m. MONDAY'S GAME LATEST LINE Buffalo at NY Jets, 9 p.m. Jets by 2 Cleveland Stadium, 1 p.m. Last week: Philadelphia defeated the New York Giants, 24-13; Cleveland lost to Seattle, 16-10. Capsule: Browns, once favored to be a Super Bowl entry, are down to their fourth QB, 37-year-old ex-Dolphin Don Strock, after Mike Pagel joined Bernie Kosar and Gary Danielson on casualty list in loss to Seattle.

Eagles have two of league's premier talents in elusive QB Randall Cunningham and DE Reggie White, who could make it a long day for immobile Strock unless Browns can control clock with capable running game and solid defense. Eagles riddled Giants with short passes, Cunningham hitting 31 of 41, and Keith Byars' improved running. Rookie TE Keith Jackson is the Eagles' key receiver Philly has league-best turnover ratio of plus-11. Injuries: EAGLES DE Donald Evans (jaw) is out. BROWNS CB Mark Harper (knee) is out.

Sullivan Stadium, 1 p.m. Last week: Cincinnati defeated the New York Jets, 36-19; New England lost to Green Bay, 45-3. Capsule: Injuries and losses piling up on Patriots. QB Steve Grogan likely to see action, though Coach Raymond Berry indicates he'll open again with Doug Flutie, who had three passes intercepted and others batted down in pounding from Packers last week. Bengals are NFL's only unbeaten team and proved their mettle by rebounding from early blunders and 9-0 deficit to blast Jets behind QB Boomer Esiason, league-leading WR Eddie Brown, potent running game and strong pass-rush.

Only good news for Pats is likely return of LB leader Andre Tippett. Injuries: BENGALS None serious. PATRIOTS WR Stanley Morgan (head) is doubtful. Dickerson wants to have last laugh Buccaneers hope running back continues to struggle with Colts By Jerry Greene OF THE SENTINEL STAFF RFK Stadium, 1 p.m. Last week: Phoenix defeated Pittsburgh, 31-14; Washington defeated Dallas, 35-17.

Capsule: Cards are the surprise leaders of NFC East after rid-ing Neil Lomax's passing to fourth consecutive victory. They haven't won at Washington since 1978, but beat Redskins, 30-21, last month at home in Mark Rypien's QB debut for Skins. He threw for three TDs but lost fumble that Cards returned for clinching TD. He keeps getting better, passing for three TDs and running for another in rout of Dallas last week. With defense hurting, pressure's on Skins' offense.

Kelvin Bryant has replaced Tim Smith as prime RB. Cards second in offense with 408 yards a game, improving on defense. Injuries: CARDINALS None serious. REDSKINS None serious. Hoosier Dome, 1 p.m.

Expected crowd: Sellout. Broadcast: TV CBS (WCPX-Ch. 6) in Orlando; Radio Bucs' Network, WDBO-AM Fans of the Indianapolis Colts rejoiced last year when Eric Dickerson came to town and rushed them into the NFL playoffs. But now grumblings have begun that perhaps what the Colts really got was the long-range shaft. It was one of the most exciting deals in league history.

The Colts got Dickerson, Buffalo got super linebacker Cornelius Bennett and the Los Angeles Rams may have got (580). WPCV- FM (97.5) in Orlando. Soldier Field, 1 p.m. Last week: Dallas lost to Washington, 35-17; Chicago defeated Detroit, 24-7. Capsule: With rookies at safety and OLB for Bears, Herschel Walker's receivingrunning threat increases.

Containing him on first down is key for Bears, who want to force Steve Pelleur into passing situations after Redskins harassed him into three interceptions romping last week. Bears need better rush against mobile Pelleur than they had against Lions and better pass protection. With problems at LT, big concern for Jim McMahon is DE Jim Jeffcoat. It's Walker vs. No.

1 run defense, but Bears will miss Dave Duerson against run. Cowboys also hurting in secondary. Coach Tom Landry calls CB Ron Francis "shellshocked." Injuries: COWBOYS Victor Scott (shoulder) is out; WR Michael Irvin (leg) is doubtful. BEARS Dave Duerson (kidney) is out. Giants Stadium, 1 p.m.

Last week: Detroit lost to Chicago, 24-7; New York lost to Philadelphia, 24-13. Capsules: Loss of QB Chuck Long puts Lions and Rusty Hilger in precarious position, though Hilger performed admirably against Bears on short notice. He can throw long ball, but Giants and blitzing LB Lawrence Taylor won't give him much time. Detroit lacks running game to take heat off New York's rugged defense should revive after being raided by Eagles in Monday loss. Lions' only QB backup is newly signed castoff John Witkowski.

Their main hope is tenacious defense. Giants, with offensive line problems, haven't run well and rely a lot on Phil Simms' passes to TE Mark Bavaro. Injuries: LIONS LB Jimmy Williams (knee) is out. GIANTS WR Odessa Turner (knee) is doubtful. Mile High Stadium, 4 p.m.

Last week: Atlanta lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 33-0; Denver defeated San Francisco, 16-13. Capsule: Outmanned Falcons were mauled by Rams, yielding 501 yards and producing only 1 50 behind backup QBs Steve Dils and Hugh Millen. Then came shock of DB David Croudip's death. Denver revived with overtime upset of 49ers, when it was outgained by 100 yards but came up with four turnovers. With John Elway handicapped by sore elbow and depleted WR corps, Denver offense has struggled for two weeks.

Ex-Bear FB Calvin Thomas has been activated, and WR Mark Jackson may be back. Falcons hope for Gerald Riggs' return against Broncos' low-rated rushing defense. Injuries: FALCONS QB Chris Miller (ankle) and RB Gerald Riggs (knee) are doubtful. BRONCOS LB Marc Munford (Knee) is out; CB Jeremiah Castille (shoulder) is doubtful. Eric Dickerson ten a dynasty.

Coaches: Bucs Ray Perkins (2nd year, 6-15); Colts Ron Meyer (3rd year, 13-12). Last week: Tampa Bay lost to Minnesota, 14-13; Indian-apolis lost to Buffalo, 34-23. Leading rushers: Bucs FB James Wilder (81-329, 1 TD), HB Lars Tate (30-136, 3 TDs), HB Kerry Goode (27-133); Colts RB Eric Dickerson (147-630, 3 TDs). Leading passers: Bucs Vinny Testaverde (94-192-14, 1 370, 5 TDs); Colts Chris Chandler (34-63-3, 433, 1 TD), Gary Hogeboom (30-52-3, 41 1, 2 TDs). Leading receivers: Bucs WR Bruce Hill (26-488, 3 TDs), WR Mark Carrier (17-313, 2 TDs), TE Ron Hall Colts WR Bill Brooks (19-286, 1 TD), Dickerson (14-144), TE Pat Beach (12-100).

Injuries: Bucs Backup LB Pete Najarian (knee) is out, listed as questionable are Wilder (ankle), DE Reuben Davis (ankle), safety Ray Isom (knee), defensive end Ron Holmes (knee), nose tackle Curt Jarvis (neck) and guard Dan Turk (foot and neck); Colts OT Kevin Call (foot) is out, TE Mark Boyer (head), LB O'Bien Aiston (neck), DE Ezra Johnson (calf) are questionable. Notes: Bucs RB Kerry Goode may have a hard reunion with brother Chris, who is a DB for the Colts. Their younger brother, Pierre, had a 100-yard kickoff return for Alabama against Ole Miss. Bucs RB Lars Tate attended North Central High in Indianapolis, where he was a Parade All-America selection. Scheduled for the Bucs' Monday Night Huddle at 8 p.m.

are DE Ron Holmes and rookie FB William Howard, who may make his first start today in place of the Injured Wilder. The Huddle is in the Village Lounge at the Walt Disney World Village. JERRY GREENE The Rams (5-1) look like the biggest winners. They got tailback Greg Bell, who has 622 yards rushing compared to Dickerson's 630. So they lost 8 yards and, as compensation, also received three first-round picks and three second-round picks over this year and next year.

They already have used this year's extra picks for wide receiver Aaron Cox, who has scored twice and is averaging 24 yards a catch, linebacker Fred Strickland and Bell's backup, Gaston Green. They still have three additional picks to use next year. Buffalo (5-1) isn't complaining. They lost Bell and three top picks, but they appear to have found one of the league's best defenses with Bennett as the catalyst. "We would do it again in a minute," Bills general manager Bill Polian said.

"Bennett's even better than I expected." But what about the Colts (1-5)? Yes, they got to the playoffs last year, but that doesn't mean much now. Colts general manager Jim Irsay is defensive about the situation: "This year the offensive line is in a shambles with injuries. It's just amazing what Eric Dickerson has really done. He's almost like a prize fighter in the latter part of the game. With any great trade, there's nothing wrong with all three teams coming out winners." Winners? With a 1-5 record? Dickerson may be doing an amazing job, but he's also proving no running back can carry a team by himself.

When it's third-and-long, Dickerson can't get a first down by himself and the Colts have the worst third-down conversion record in the league. And the situation may be getting to him. He has lost two crucial fumbles in a pair of the Colts' defeats, somewhat nullifying all his other effort. And his efforts don't come cheap, not with a four-year contract worth $5.9 million. This week he said it was frustrating to play Tampa Kingdome, 4 p.m.

Last week: New Orleans defeated San Diego, 23-17; Seattle defeated Cleveland, 16-10. Capsules: Both teams will rely on strong running games Seahawks lead AFC West after victory over Browns and usually are tough at home. Saints share NFC West lead after winning five in row by an average of six points. Their aggressive defense is superior to Seattle's and could plague rookie QB Kelly Stouffer if Curt Warner doesn't give him enough ground support. Saints have balanced offense, Bobby Hebert throwing for 1 1 TDs to complement running of Dalton Hilliard, Rueben Mayes and Craig Heyward.

Seahawks' run defense ranks 23rd. Reliable kickers Morten Anderson and Seattle's Norm Johnson could be difference. Injuries: SAINTS None serious. SEAHAWKS None serious. i.

i LA Coliseum, 4 p.m. NBC (WESH-Ch. 2 In Orlando) Last week: San Francisco lost to Denver, 16-13; Los Angeles defeated Atlanta, 33-0. Capsule: 49ers are struggling after loss to Denver and injuries to QB Joe Montana, who should start, and three defensive regulars. QB controversy continues, with Steve Young in the wings.

Rams, needing need victory to keep pace with Saints atop NFC West, will be psyched to avenge 48-0 pasting from 49ers in last year's finale. Rams rebounded from loss to Cards, crushing Falcons last week. Good offensive balance features Jim Everett's passing and Greg Bell's running. 49ers hammered Denver on ground, Roger Craig getting 143 yards, but they drew 14 penalties. Injuries: 49ERS None serious.

RAMS None serious. CHICAGO TRIBUNE Metrodome, 1 p.m. Last week: Green Bay defeated New England, 45-3; Minnesota defeated Tampa Bay, 14-13. Capsules: Vikings have had two-week letdown since smashing Bears, losing to Miami and lucky to get past Tampa Bay. Struggling QB Tommy Kramer faces defense with nine interceptions in past two games.

Physical Packers came to life in rout of Patriots. QB Randy Wright (groin) missed last week, and Green Bay will stick with Don Majkowski, who sparkled against Pats. Vikings' usually sound run defense yielded 1 77 yards to Bucs. Packers coming off 207-yard rushing fame led by St. Cloud's Brent Fullwood (118 on 14 carries, 3 Ds).

Injuries: PACKERS None serious. VIKINGS None serious. Three Rivers Stadium, 1 p.m. Last week: Houston defeated Kansas City, 7-6; Pittsburgh lost to Phoenix, 31-14. Capsules: These are two teams with QB woes.

Oilers likely to start Brent Pease, but Warren Moon could be available after recovery from broken shoulder blade. Steelers resorting to Todd Blackledge and Steve Bono, who totaled only 125 yards passing in loss to Phoenix. Oilers squeaked past Chiefs Bay knowing the Bucs had a better record than the Colts. There's obvious locker room reading material for the Bucs. It is true that Dickerson has owned the Bucs.

He gained 196 yards on 33 carries in last year's 24-6 Colts victory. That was the third-best performance ever against the Bucs; the best against the Bucs was 207 yards by Dickerson as a Ram in 1986. But can Dickerson and what support he gets beat the Bucs today? And even if they do, is a 2-5 record cause for celebration? Perhaps that's why they are smiling in Buffalo and laughing out loud in Los Angeles..