The Miami Dolphins beat the Dallas Cowboys tonight, in a game in which no starters from either team took the field in their primary roles (for the Dolphins, both Brian Hartline and Koa Misi did come on the field in reserve roles). Overall, the Miami reserves looked solid, with everyone making their case to remain on the team's 53-man roster.
- One of the clear stars of the game was cornerback Will Allen. Allen, who hadn't seen a game field in two years, following an ACL tear, was everywhere tonight. He finished the game with four tackles, and at least one pass deflection, a beautiful defense in the endzone, with safety Tyrone Culver picking off the pass.
- I think, with this performance, Will Allen ensured he would continue with the team, meaning the Dolphins will likely keep six cornerbacks, with starters Vonate Davis and Sean Smith, along with reserved Nolan Carroll, Benny Sapp, and Jimmy Wilson joining Allen.
- Matt Moore looked decent, but his performance should leave no one wanting him to start over first string quarterback Chad Henne. He finished the game 9-for-11 for 142 yards and 1 touchdown. He did have one ugly first quarter pass, in which Brian Hartline seemed to cut the route early, and either Moore tried to stop the pass as he threw it, or he just didn't have a grip on the ball. It appeared almost as if Moore had shot-putted a wobbly pass that no one could catch.
- The Dolphins two headed running attack seemed to do okay. Oh, sorry, it wasn't that two-headed attack - starter Reggie Bush sat out the game. Second string rusher Daniel Thomas looked strong for the first time this preseason - although it was clearly against second and third string defensive players. Thomas finished the day with 36 yards on 8 carries (4.5 yards per carry). The other half of the Miami rushing attack tonight was newcomer, Larry Johnson. Johnson carried the ball 10 times for 39 yards (3.9 yards per carry). However, he had the highlight of the night, as he broke a 22-yard run for a touchdown.
- Dan Carpenter put away a 50-yarder tonight.
- The Dolphins' offensive line prevented a single sack, while also opening up lanes for the 106 yards rushing as of right now. Somehow, the second line looked better than the first has all preseason.
Look for a more in depth analysis of tonight's game tomorrow morning.