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Despite dropping their second consecutive decision to open the preseason ? 27-23 last Friday night at Jacksonville ? the Dolphins? first-team units seem headed in the right direction as the most critical juncture of the preseason docket approaches.
Against the Jaguars at ALLTEL Stadium, Miami held leads of 10-0 and 13-3 before Jacksonville began its comeback, which included a touchdown on the final play of the opening half.
The first-unit defense surrendered only 20 yards and one first down in the three series that a majority of them appeared.
Offensively, quarterback Jay Fiedler looked sharp in his preseason debut after missing the opener (back). He completed 7 of 11 passes for 53 yards and one touchdown, before giving way to Brian Griese, who was 5 of 6 for 48 yards, and led Miami on a pair of scoring drives. Third quarterback Sage Rosenfels opened the second half and completed 8 of 15 passes for 61 yards, while engineering two drives that led to points, including one touchdown. In Rosenfels? first two appearances of the 2003 preseason, he has been at the controls for five scoring marches, three of which have resulted in touchdowns. For the second week in a row, the depth behind Ricky Williams at the running back spot looks to be well-manned. All three who followed Williams last Friday night averaged at least four yards per carry including Leonard Henry (6-40, 1 TD), Robert Edwards (9-36) and Travis Minor (4-23). Each also has surpassed the 4.0-yard mark combined in the first two preseason contests, while Henry leads the team with a lofty 6.9 figure, having rushed for a team-best 83 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts. Another promising sign against the Jaguars was the play of rookie tackle Wade Smith, the first of the team?s two third-round draft choices this year. After getting the starting nod at left tackle in place of the injured Mark Dixon, Smith held Jaguars Pro Bowl end Hugh Douglas in check.
Special teams also played an integral role last week. Charlie Rogers showed the spark that has made him one of the top returners in the NFL over the last several seasons. Against the Jaguars, he fielded two punts for 44 yards, including a 37-yarder that set up the first touchdown of the game. He also brought back a pair of kickoffs for a 26.5-yard average. This included a 29-yard return, which put the Dolphins in field position for a field goal. Sam Simmons also excelled in the return game, as he took back three kickoffs for a 33.7-yard average. His 47-yard return in the fourth quarter made possible the Dolphins? final touchdown of the night. This special teams success was not limited to the return game. After not punting in the preseason opener because of a hamstring injury, 15-year veteran Mark Royals hit three punts for a net average of 39.0. Kicker Olindo Mare appears eager to secure his spot among the NFL?s all-time leaders in field goal accuracy. Against the Jaguars, he connected on all three attempts, including a long of 51, giving him a perfect 5 of 5 in two preseason contests. Exhibiting one of the strongest legs in the league, Mare put four of his six kickoffs last week into the end zone, while three went for touchbacks. With half of their 2003 preseason schedule now over, the Dolphins will focus their attention towards the most important part of their preseason schedule. The third preseason game has historically been the one that looks the most like a regular season contest. The starters usually see their most significant action and a game plan is put into place. For the most part, it will be the final extensive dress rehearsal before the Dolphins take to the field when everything counts, on September 7 against the Houston Texans at Pro Player Stadium. What better way to gauge the team?s progress than to face a team that went to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs a year ago.
Atlanta is one of up and coming teams in the NFL after they posted a record of 9-6-1 in 2002, and advanced to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs after handing the Green Bay Packers their first-ever home postseason loss. Although they will be without Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick, the Falcons still possess plenty of offensive firepower, including running back Warrick Dunn and wide receiver Peerless Price. Pro Bowl LB Keith Brooking, the team?s top draft choice in 1998, leads the defense.
Atlanta is 0-2 this preseason following a 13-10 loss to Baltimore last Saturday night at the Georgia Dome.
The Dolphins enter Friday night?s contest with an all-time preseason record of 98-75.
