TD pass lifts Dolphins 12-9
MIAMI (AP) – Ernest Wilford needed only one catch to surpass his productivity for the Miami Dolphins last season.
Seeking to shake the label of free-agent bust, Wilford caught a 33-yard touchdown pass against his former team for the game’s lone touchdown Monday night, and Miami beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 12-9.
It was only a preseason game, and Wilford’s big play came against reserves, but it suggested his recent move to tight end might work. He made only three catches for 25 yards as a wide receiver last season after signing a four-year contract for $6 million guaranteed.
Wilford juked past a defender and ran the final 15 yards after catching Chad Henne’s pass. Henne played about half the game and looked sharp, going 7-for-11 for 94 yards with one interception.
Many starters were gone by the end of the first quarter, and the game was filled with penalties and sputtering offense. Heavy rain in the third quarter further contributed to the sloppiness.
Quarterbacks Chad Pennington and David Garrard came out after one quarter. Pennington went 4-for-7 for 38 yards and led a 35-yard drive that ended with a field goal.
Garrard went 4-for-7 for 22 yards in three series. He encountered heavy pressure and led the Jaguars to only one first down.
“We have to get better at some of the protection issues,” Garrard said. “I have to make sure I get everybody lined up in the right spots.”
The lone first down with Garrard came on a 10-yard completion to newly acquired Torry Holt. That was the only reception by Holt, a seven-time Pro Bowl receiver.
Jaguars backup quarterback Todd Bouman went 10-for-18 for 130 yards with one interception – by Dolphins rookie Sean Smith in the end zone.