NFL: Miami 24, Carolina 17

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Ricky Williams scored three times and produced the game-breaking touchdown on a 46-yard run Thursday, leading the Miami Dolphins to a 24-17 win over Carolina.

The Dolphins improved their playoff chances by winning their second straight and reaching the .500 mark after 10 games. Carolina fell to 4-6.

Williams scored twice in the second period -- on a 14-yard pass from Chad Henne and on a 1-yard run -- to give Miami a 14-3 halftime lead.

Carolina closed within 17-14 with 5:18 to play in the game on a 27-yard throw from Jake Delhomme to Steve Smith but Williams scored the decisive touchdown on the fourth play of a 59-yard drive. His 46-yard dash came with 3:55 to go.

The Panthers settled for a John Kasay field goal with 1:41 left that brought them within seven but Miami recovered the ensuing onside kick. Carolina regained the ball on a punt with 39 seconds left and reached the Miami 26-yard line before a desperation throw on the game's final play fell incomplete.

Williams ran for 119 yards on 22 carries and caught two passes for 19 yards.

Delhomme could complete just 19-of-42 passes for 227 yards with one touchdown and an interception.