Offense shows life in first preseason loss

Although the Dolphins suffered their first loss of the preseason, 31-28 to the Tampa Bay Bucs, the first string offense scored its first two touchdowns. This was after Trent Green's first pass attempt of the game was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. The offense's second touchdown came on a trick statue-of-liberty play. Trent Green finished with 7 completions in 11 pass attempts for 42 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Rookie John Beck played the entire second half and completed 11 of 22 passes for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The ones that got away

Through the first two preseason games, the Dolphins offense has been unimpressive at best, especially the passing offense. Some of the blame must fall on the quarterback. Trent Green has been less than mediocre thus far, while John Beck has been better, albeit playing against an opponent's second- and third-stringers. What would've happened if the Dolphins' QBs were two guys they could have if not for the decision-making of the coaches?

After an uninspiring first game, Daunte Culpupper went 6 of 8 for 75 with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions in the Oakland Raiders' second preseason game. That's 2 touchdowns more than Trent Green had in his 2 games with the Dolphins. The Dolphins could still have Culpepper's services if they weren't so desperate to get rid of him.

In his first game after signing a contract with Cleveland, Brady Quinn completed 13 of 20 passes for 155 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. That's a 65% completion percentage and, again, 2 more touchdowns than Trent Green has. Brady Quinn could have been a Dolphin instead of punt returner Ted Ginn.

Makes you wonder....

Dolphins win another close preseason game

For what it's worth, the Dolphins are 2-0 in the preseason. Last night, they squeaked by the Kansas City Chiefs 11-10 in QB Trent Green's homecoming to his old city. Green's performance was nothing to write home about, though, completing 4 of 7 passes for 41 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. Most of the offensive was provided by the running attack. Ronnie Brown led the way with 57 yards on 13 carries. Jesse Chatman, the hero of last week's game, carried the ball 8 times for 19 yards and added 43 yards on 5 receptions. Interestingly, Brown and Chatman were also the return men on kickoffs.

Dolphins squeak by Jacksonville in preseason opener

Despite backup running back Jesse's Chatman's 74-yard TD run, the Dolphins looked unimpressive in defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the team's first preseason game of 2007. The starting offense was held to 3 points, not exactly the improvement the team hoped for in hiring offensive-minded head coach Cam Cameron. QB Trent Green, the prize of this year's free agent class, completed just 6 of 15 pass attempts, with one interception and two sacks.

Fortunately, the games that count don't start anytime soon.

Porter out 2 - 4 weeks

Linebacker Joey Porter underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday and is expected to miss 2 to 4 weeks. The good news is that Porter should be back in time for the start of the season. Also, he had the same type of surgery in training camp in 2005 and followed up with one of his best seasons.