MIAMI -- It's refreshing to talk to Colts defensive players. Normally around playoff time, you hear players whining about not getting respect. Colts defenders don't say that.

	Chad Bratzke, right, records one of Indianapolis' four sacks of Dolphins QB Jay Fiedler in Sunday's 20-13 win.

They entered Sunday's game as the lowest-ranked defense among AFC playoff contenders. Ranked 22nd, they are sandwiched between the Vikings (23rd) and the Rams (21st). They know they have to earn respect, and their performance in a 20-13 victory over the Dolphins was a start.

"The way we've struggled all season, we just had to keep on fighting," linebacker Cornelius Bennett said. "There is so much going against us, but I'm proud of the way we came out and played like we did today. We came out and made it happen."

Bennett added another superlative that he hasn't used often during his brilliant 14-year career. "This was one of the greatest victories I've been involved with," Bennett said. "The desire was unbelievable."

They forced three Dolphins turnovers, which is an important stat because only four teams had fewer than the Colts' 18 takeaways entering the game. It should also be noted that the Colts forced three turnovers against the Bills last week. Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler, known for releasing the ball quickly off play-action passes, was sacked four times.

"We were totally determined to get to the ball," Bennett said. "We knew going into the game that Jay wasn't completely healthy. We got good hits on him."

Fiedler was considered doubtful early in the week because of a slight tear in his left rotator cuff. Afterward, Fiedler didn't use the injury as an excuse and maybe that was justified. Despite the injury, he broke a 29-yard run. His passes weren't crisp, but part of that was good coverage by the Colts.

Just 12 of 25 passes were completed for 150 yards, and the only consistent offense was provided by halfback Lamar Smith. None of it was damaging. Smith's 97 yards on 22 carries didn't hurt the Colts.

For example, by the time the Colts opened a 14-0 lead in the second quarter, the Colts had outgained the Dolphins, 117 yards to 10.

"Lamar didn't run it good enough to win, that's for sure," Bennett said. "Guys were just determined to go out there and stop him and do whatever to win the game. They voted for the Pro Bowl last week, so now all the stats are out the window. Now it's all about getting the victory."

	“	Guys make a lot of money, and it's hard to take a beating in the press for not making plays. Today, we made plays when we had to. We just persevered. ”
		— Cornelius Bennett, Colts linebacker

Bennett was certainly referring to the Colts' defense being shut out in Pro Bowl balloting. Even though half of their draft was devoted to defense, the Colts still lack play-makers. Bennett is 35, and his value is leadership. Defensive end Chad Bratzke is their only sack master. Their defensive line is light. Two weeks ago, coach Jim Mora benched high-paid cornerback Tyrone Poole in favor of Mustafah Muhammad and defensive end Brad Scioli for Bernard Holsey.

Worse, the Colts' defense has been criticized all season, and their ears still burn.

"Guys make a lot of money, and it's hard to take a beating in the press for not making plays," Bennett said. "Today, we made plays when we had to. We just persevered."

Like a proud father, Bennett was happy that his defenders showed up early for meetings and worked late in practices.

"We try not to listen to all the second-guessing and the press," Bratzke said. "We just show up for work. We're a bunch of blue-collar guys that work hard and prepare. There were times that we didn't play as well as we could earlier this year. But it's crunch time, and we're getting it done. We have to keep getting it done."

They were even praised by Dolphins offensive players, who were limited to 272 yards on 56 plays.

"You really have to give them credit coming off a short week with a Monday night game against Buffalo and coming in here and starting off fast," Dolphins guard Kevin Donnalley said. "They didn't break down when we started to get some momentum. We made some adjustments and changed some things on the sidelines and time ran out on us."

The biggest thing for the Colts is that time didn't run out on them. They have life. If they beat the Vikings next Sunday, they have a chance to make the playoffs.

"When it's on the line like it has been these past few weeks, that's when you have to step up," Bennett said. "And I think we're doing that nicely."

John Clayton is the senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.