DOLPHINS COMPLETE PERFECT PRESEASON WITH WIN OVER SAINTS

The resurgent Miami Dolphins are preparing to repeat as AFC East champs, and their spirits were no doubt given a boost as they finished off a perfect NFL preseason schedule with a victory over the New Orleans Saints in a low scoring game.  Patrick Cobbs’ six yard run in the second quarter provided the margin of victory for the Dolphins in the 10-7 win, though the Saints made things interesting late as Rod Harper returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown midway through the final period. The Dolphins wrapped up the NFL exhibition slate at 4-0, while the Saints fell to 3-1.

Sports gamblers who bet on NFL preseason action were rewarded with an investment on ‘the fish’ as Miami won outright as +2’ road underdogs.  Miami was also undefeated against the number in the NFL preseason (3-0-1) while New Orleans fell to 3-1 against the price.  The combined 17 points went UNDER the total of 36’ for Miami’s third UNDER in four games.  New Orleans split their O/U results at 2-2.

Dolphins’ star receiver Ted Ginn suggested that the team wasn’t overly impressed with their unblemished NFL preseason mark:

"Now it's time to play real football, to get into game week and show what we are made of. I know we had a real good preseason, but in a week or so the games count for real."

Miami head coach Tony Sparano sounded an optimistic tone as exhibition play ended:

"I feel good about where we are right now. Everybody, I thought, played pretty hard. We were about as clean as could be."

The Saints took no chances with injuries in the final preseason game, holding out a slew of their offensive skill players including quarterback Drew Brees, running back Reggie Bush and tight end Jeremy Shockey.  After the game, New Orleans’ head coach Sean Payton was asked specifically about Bush—who had only three carries for five yards in preseason play.  The coach sounded hopeful that he’d be ready to go next weekend for the team’s regular season debut:

"We'll have him ready for Detroit.”

Payton also gave credit to arena football refugee Rod Harper, who may have earned himself a roster spot with his fourth quarter punt return for a touchdown:

"Credit him. He's taken advantage of the opportunity. I was encouraged with the play he made tonight.”

Miami will start the regular season on the road, heading to the Georgia Dome to take on the Atlanta Falcons.  They’ll play their home opener the following Monday as they host the Indianapolis Colts.  New Orleans will open their slate at home against the Detroit Lions before playing on the road at Philadelphia the following week.