The New Orleans Saints host the Miami Dolphins at the Superdome tonight in the final preseason game at 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern. Much like the Saints, the Dolphins also sport an undefeated 3-0 preseason record, featuring wins vs. Jacksonville, Carolina and @ Tampa Bay. The starters for the Saints are expected to play no more than a series before yielding way to the backups.
Out for the Saints: Pierre Thomas, Jammal Brown, Chip Vaughn, Usama Young, Adrian Arrington.
About the Dolphins: The Dolphins were the surprise team in the NFL last year, bouncing back from a dismal season to go 11-5 and win the division behind the solid play of QB Chad Pennington and the direction of new coach Tony Sparano. They hosted the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs and lost 27-9. Their running game is anchored by Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and they also have a very solid defensive backfield. Perhaps most scary is their linebacking core which features: Jason Taylor, Channing Crowder, Akin Ayodele, and Joey Porter. The Dolphins were the 12th offense in the NFL a year ago, and the 15th defense.
other notes:
— Reggie Bush is listed as questionable and will likely not play due to a sore calf.
— This is PJ Hill’s last chance to show what he can do, and he’ll likely need a HUGE game to make the roster. Herb Donaldson is likely playing for a spot on the practice squad.
— Dolphins linebacker Akin Ayodele is the older brother of Saints defensive tackle Remi Ayodele.
— You’ll remember Dolphins running back Ricky Williams as a former Saint. Mike Ditka traded the Saints entire draft that year to get him, as well as a 1st and 3rd round pick the following year.
— The Dolphins first round draft choice is cornerback Vontae Davis, a player the Saints considered before taking Malcolm Jenkins.
— Jermon Bushrod will start for the 3rd consecutive game in place of Jammal Brown at left tackle.
Enjoy the game and Geaux Saints!
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