Dolphins struggle in third preseason victory

If the third preseason game is supposed to be the dress rehearsal for the regular season, the Miami Dolphins have a lot of work left to do. In a sloppy, error-filled game, the Dolphins beat the Bucs 10-6. The bright spot was the emergence of WR Brian Hartline. The rookie got the start opposite Ted Ginn and proved to be the most effective receiver, catching three passes for 79 yards. However, even Hartline erred when he negated a 35-yard completion by committing offensive pass interference.

Unlike the previous game, the Miami running backs were held to 79 yards on 25 carries with no touchdowns. Chad Pennington wasn't so bad, completing 9 of 16 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. However, Henne looked the worst he has so far this year, going 2 of 8 for 55 yards and an interception.

Dolphins use Wildcat to beat Panthers

In their second preseason game, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Carolina Panthers, 27-17. Unveiling the Wildcat offense for the first time in the preseason, the Dolphins gained some big plays out of the formation, including a 35-yard flea flicker. Even more promising than the success of the Wildcat was the effectiveness of the running game, held in check in the first game. Against the Panthers, the trio of Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Patrick Cobb led the ground attack, raking up 141 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. They also accounted for over 100 yards in receptions.

The quarterbacks also performed well. Chad Pennington completed 8 of 11 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Backup Chad Henne went 10 of 16 for 75 and a touchdown of his own. Pat White threw 3 passes, completing 2 for 4 yards. None of the QBs threw an interception.

Dolphins win preseason opener

The Miami Dolphins defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 12-9 in their first exhibition game of 2009. Since this game didn't count for real, what was important was the performance of the players. In that regard, there were a few positive signs. WR-turned-TE Ernest Wilford scored the only touchdown for the Dolphins on a 33-yard pass from Chad Henne. Henne himself had a good game, completing 7 of 11 passes for 94 yards, the touchdown, and one interception. On the defensive side, rookie CB Sean Smith had an interception, moving slightly ahead of Eric Green and fellow rookie Vontae Davis on the depth chart.

Training camp starts, draft picks sign

The Miami Dolphins began their 2009 training camp on Sunday. The main story of training camp in the first few days is the absence of LB Matt Roth. The reason it's newsworthy is because different reasons have been given for his missed time. He either has a strained groin, and undisclosed illness, or something else. Roth missed three games in 2007 because of a groin injury.

In other news, the remaining unsigned draft picks have agreed to deals with the team. First round pick CB Vontae Davis's contract is for five years, while second rounder Pat White and fifth rounder Chris Clemons have four year deals. Congratulations to the Dolphins for getting everyone signed in time for training camp. Those extra days of practice will really help the rookies.