DOLPHINS WIN INTER-STATE RIVALRY GAME OVER JAGUARS

In a NFL preseason game characterized by rainy weather, sloppy field conditions and a quick exit for both team’s starters, the Miami Dolphins outlasted their in-state rivals the Jacksonville Jaguars by a 12-9 score.  Only one touchdown was scored in the game, which was a battle of field goal kickers until the third quarter.  Miami’s game winning score came on a 33 yard touchdown strike from Chad Henne to tight end Ernest Wilford.

For NFL betting enthusiasts, the game was an exercise in futility as the final score made pointspread wagers a ‘push’ as Miami had entered the game as -3 point home favorites.  At least NFL totals bettors had something to show for their effort, with the 21 combined points going well UNDER the posted total of 34.

Wilford recently converted to tight end from wide receiver, and gave the football an emphatic spike after his touchdown reception.  Afterwards, he spoke to reporters about the game winning score:

"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 ‘by the book’ assessment of his team’s 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 not scoring a touchdown, Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio was generally upbeat about his team’s 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.  The Dolphins will begin the NFL regular season on Sunday, September 13th against the Falcons at Atlanta, while Jacksonville will play the Colts at Indianapolis.