NFL: Dolphins taking the heat; more notes ...

The Miami Dolphins' rookie offensive tackle had the unenviable task of blocking Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney, who delivered one of this season's most outstanding individual efforts in the Colts' 23-17 victory Sunday at Pro Player Stadium.

Freeney made three sacks and forced two fumbles, including one that sealed the Colts' victory just when it appeared the Dolphins were on the verge of scoring a go-ahead touchdown.

"That was probably as dominating a defensive performance from one guy as we've seen in a while," Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said.

While veteran kicker Olindo Mare left without speaking to reporters after missing a pair of potential game-winning field goals in a loss to New England two weeks ago, Smith stuck around and answered every question as wave after wave of reporters approached his locker.

"This was a big game for us," said Smith, a third-round draft pick from Memphis. "And for me not to perform well, it hurts."

Smith calmly explained how Freeney managed to break free and sack Dolphins quarterback Brian Griese on the game's most critical play. Griese was running a naked bootleg away from Freeney's side when the second-year pass rusher still made the hit that gave the Colts the ball at their own 15-yard line with 1:55 remaining.

"He lined up wider than usual, then he just rushed straight up," Smith said. "I should have run a little faster."

Few offensive tackles have been able to keep up with the lightning-quick Freeney, who entered Sunday's game with four sacks this season. The former first-round pick from Syracuse collected 13 sacks and forced nine fumbles as a rookie last year.

Freeney also enjoyed seeing Griese at quarterback instead of the injured Jay Fiedler.

"He was happy they didn't have Fiedler because he says Fiedler moves around a lot," said Colts running back Edgerrin James, who rooms with Freeney. "Griese is going to stand in the pocket a little bit longer and that works in (Freeney's) favor. All week he said he was going to get him."

Smith gave Freeney a little credit but spent more time criticizing his own effort. Smith said Freeney wasn't any faster than Jason Taylor, who lines up against the rookie in practice. He didn't think Freeney was any better than New York Jets defensive end John Abraham, who had nine tackles but no sacks against the Dolphins on Sept. 14.

"He's a good player," Smith said. "But I also didn't think I played as well as I can play."

Smith had spent much of this season exceeding the Dolphins' expectations. The former tight end didn't even start playing offensive tackle until his junior year at Memphis.

He emerged as a surprise starter after Mark Dixon injured his left ankle in the preseason, then played pretty well until Sunday.

"He's as impressive of a rookie that I've been around on the offensive line," said Dolphins guard Todd Perry.

The Dolphins better hope Sunday's performance doesn't represent a sign of things to come.

Dixon's chances of returning this season are questionable at best, so the Dolphins are counting on Smith to protect the quarterback's blind side. Snmith's assignment doesn't get any easier next week when he lines up against Tennessee's Jevon Kearse.

"Tomorrow's a new day," Smith said. "If I don't put this game behind me, it's going to hurt me next week."

NOTES:

... Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas wasn't particulary impressed with his 19-tackle performance Sunday. "That just means we were on the field too long," Thomas said.

... Dolphins tailback Ricky Williams was held below 100 yards for the fifth straight game. Williams, who had just two carries in the second half, finished with 36 yards on 13 attempts. That's the fourth-lowest carry total of Williams' career.

... Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt made all three of his field-goal attempts Sunday and is now 21-of-21 this season. Vanderjagt has made 25 straight successful kicks in a streak that began last season.

... Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael had a career-long 46-yard reception in the second quarter to set up Miami's first touchdown.

... Colts punt returner Brad Pyatt was carted off the field after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Dolphins linebacker Tommy Hendricks on the game's first punt. Pyatt had an upper chest bruise and lower back strain.

... the Dolphins picked up their first third-quarter touchdown of the season when Griese connected with Chris Chambers on a 28-yard score.

... Sunday's victory ended Peyton Manning's personal four-game losing streak against the Dolphins. Manning last beat the Dolphins in December 2000.

... this marked the second time in league history that second-generation NFL quarterbacks faced each other. The first instance came when Manning's Colts beat Griese's Denver Broncos 29-10 in Jan. 6, 2002. Their fathers met as starters only once, with Bob Griese's Dolphins defeating Archie Manning's New Orleans Saints 21-0 on Nov. 10, 1974.