Dolphins Outlast Jaguars In Soggy NFL Preseason Affair
In a NFL preseason game characterized by rainy weather, sloppy field conditions and a quick exit for both teams starters, the Miami Dolphins outlasted their in-state rivals the Jacksonville Jaguars by a 12-9 score. Miamis game winning score came on a 33 yard touchdown strike from Chad Henne to tight end Ernest Wilford.
Miami’s Ernest Wilford recently converted to tight end from wide receiver, and gave the football an emphatic spike after his game winning touchdown reception:
“There’s a sense of urgency for me. I want to play well this year. It’s a good start. That was a lot of frustration right there. I didn’t play that much last year, so I had to let it out.”
Dolphins QB Henne, who is being groomed as the heir apparent to starter Chad Pennington, was pleased with his first effort of the NFL preseason:
“Overall I thought I played pretty well. I got some points on the board and had us moving.”
Jacksonville QB David Garrard gave a fairly standard assessment of his teams opening game performance:
“We have to get better at some of the protection issues. I have to make sure I get everybody lined up in the right spots.”
Jaguars wide receiver Tory Holt, acquired as a free agent in the off season, was happy with his only reception of the game:
“I had been anticipating this day for a long time. I enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun. I am looking forward to many more.”
Despite the loss, Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio was generally upbeat about his teams effort:
“We are going to be physical up front. I liked what we did up front.”
Not surprisingly given the tempo of the game, the most heated battle for a starting spot was between the Dolphins placekickers. Current PK Dan Carpenter made a 48 yard fieldgoal and a PAT, while his challenger Connor Barth hit a 28 yard FG.
Jacksonville will host their other NFL rival from the state of Florida on Saturday as they welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to town. Miami will remain at home as they take on the Carolina Panthers.
Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on NFL football betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.
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