..not sure if or how this could be used to cap either game or if it will make a difference. But thought it was worth posting..
Dolphins forced to play two games in four days
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Associated Press
DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins are glad next week's games don't count -- because the NFL wants them on national television, they play twice in four days.
"They do crazy things in this league,'' safety Brock Marion said. "Two games in four days is a prime example.''
The Dolphins open their exhibition season Monday at Tampa Bay. On Thursday, they play the New Orleans Saints in Miami.
"I feel like a baseball team,'' defensive end Jason Taylor said. "Unfortunately we can't stand out in the outfield and rest.''
The Dolphins were left with the peculiar schedule when their game at Tampa was pushed back three days to accommodate ESPN. It will be the final game of the first full weekend of the NFL preseason.
Miami was locked into Thursday for its second game because that's the only night Pro Player Stadium is available next week. The Florida Marlins have home games on the other dates.
"It makes no sense,'' coach Dave Wannstedt said. "Preseason is supposed to be for evaluating, and how do you evaluate? You almost have to lump them together, because you're not going to get much corrected or much work done between them.''
In fact, the Dolphins will go five days without practicing in pads. They'll work out Saturday and Sunday against the Buccaneers in Orlando. Players are off Tuesday and Friday, and Wednesday's practice will be a brief walk-through.
"You get days off, and that's nice,'' Taylor said. "You've got to try to find a positive.''
Wannstedt said he hasn't decided how to divide playing time in the two games, but they'll help determine who starts the season opener Sept. 8 against Detroit. Decisions must be made at four positions on offense and one on defense:
Left guard, where Jamie Nails is trying to beat out Mark Dixon;
Left tackle, where Dixon might be moved to start ahead of Brent Smith;
Tight end, where rookie Randy McMichael has a chance to beat out Jed Weaver;
Fullback, where recently acquired Obafemi Ayanbadejo is challenging incumbent Rod Konrad;
Left defensive end, where the candidates are David Bowens and newcomers Jay Williams and Rob Burnett.
"The next two weeks will be the time we do some juggling and look at different guys,'' Wannstedt said. "Once we get into that third preseason game, we're ready for the season.''
For some players, this weekend's workout against the Bucs could be pivotal -- more than in the game Monday.
"The work against Tampa is huge,'' Dixon said. "That's probably where a lot of the evaluations and adjustments will be made. The first preseason game, both teams line up out there like wooden Indians, and it's really hard to get a read.''
Dolphins forced to play two games in four days
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press
DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins are glad next week's games don't count -- because the NFL wants them on national television, they play twice in four days.
"They do crazy things in this league,'' safety Brock Marion said. "Two games in four days is a prime example.''
The Dolphins open their exhibition season Monday at Tampa Bay. On Thursday, they play the New Orleans Saints in Miami.
"I feel like a baseball team,'' defensive end Jason Taylor said. "Unfortunately we can't stand out in the outfield and rest.''
The Dolphins were left with the peculiar schedule when their game at Tampa was pushed back three days to accommodate ESPN. It will be the final game of the first full weekend of the NFL preseason.
Miami was locked into Thursday for its second game because that's the only night Pro Player Stadium is available next week. The Florida Marlins have home games on the other dates.
"It makes no sense,'' coach Dave Wannstedt said. "Preseason is supposed to be for evaluating, and how do you evaluate? You almost have to lump them together, because you're not going to get much corrected or much work done between them.''
In fact, the Dolphins will go five days without practicing in pads. They'll work out Saturday and Sunday against the Buccaneers in Orlando. Players are off Tuesday and Friday, and Wednesday's practice will be a brief walk-through.
"You get days off, and that's nice,'' Taylor said. "You've got to try to find a positive.''
Wannstedt said he hasn't decided how to divide playing time in the two games, but they'll help determine who starts the season opener Sept. 8 against Detroit. Decisions must be made at four positions on offense and one on defense:
Left guard, where Jamie Nails is trying to beat out Mark Dixon;
Left tackle, where Dixon might be moved to start ahead of Brent Smith;
Tight end, where rookie Randy McMichael has a chance to beat out Jed Weaver;
Fullback, where recently acquired Obafemi Ayanbadejo is challenging incumbent Rod Konrad;
Left defensive end, where the candidates are David Bowens and newcomers Jay Williams and Rob Burnett.
"The next two weeks will be the time we do some juggling and look at different guys,'' Wannstedt said. "Once we get into that third preseason game, we're ready for the season.''
For some players, this weekend's workout against the Bucs could be pivotal -- more than in the game Monday.
"The work against Tampa is huge,'' Dixon said. "That's probably where a lot of the evaluations and adjustments will be made. The first preseason game, both teams line up out there like wooden Indians, and it's really hard to get a read.''
