The game itself was played under less than favorable conditions: it rained and the field still hosted the Marlin's baseball field, which made conditions very muddy.

The offense was not dazzling on its first outing, compiling only 190 total yards. The Dolphin's quarterbacks were sacked twice and the leading passer was Dan McGwire who threw for only 65 yards.

On the other hand, it was a good sign that the Dolphins scored both of their first half touchdowns on short yardage running plays, especially considering the lack of a strong short yardage game at the end of last year. But other than an 80 yard, 18 play, 10 minute drive that Bernie Kosar lead in the first half, the Dolphin offense was pretty mediocre.

The defense also didn't set any records, although there were some encouraging moments. Apparently newcomers Steve Emtman and Trace Armstrong, who are supposed to help the defense this year, both put on impressive showings, with Armstrong recording a sack and Emtman recovering a fumble that was caused by Aubrey Beavers' sack of quarterback Steve Beurlein.

There was one statistic to be concerned about - the Jags picked up about 230 yards rushing, although, to be fair, almost all of it came after the first team defense sat down for the game.

And the Dolphins' first string did put up a 14-0 lead in about a quarter and a half before sitting down and letting the Jaguars come back and win.

So, overall, it's hard for me to work up too much disappointment about this game. One of the Jaguar's players said, after the game, "I felt like we won the SuperBowl", which sums up their attitude, as they kept their starters on the field for most of the game in order to get their first win. And for them, that was an important success. However, for the Dolphins, who accomplished what they set out to do, it was a successful, if not spectacular, pre-season game.

Below is the Dolphin Digest's game summary, courtesy of Joan Kite of the Dolphin Digest, quoted verbatim:

DOLPHINS LOSE, 24-21

Dolphins began the pre-season with a loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars (24-21). This game means little, allowing for the youngsters to prepare and the coaches to evaluate the youngsters.

The Dolphins also played under less than favorable conditions: it rained and the field still hosted the Marlin's softball field, which made conditions very muddy.

Overall, the game earned an overall rating of mediocre.

The Dolphins scored on a 3-yard run by Bernie Parmalee, a 1-yard run by Robert Wilson, and a 15-yard pass from Dan McGwire to Ricky Sanders.

The offense was not dazzling on its first outing, compiling only 190 total net yards. The Dolphin's quarterbacks sacked twice. The leading passer was Dan McGwire who threw for only 65 yards. Looked okay, nothing spectacular.

McGwire is involved in the battle over the number three quarterback spot with Doug Pederson, who is very familiar with the Dolphin system having been with the Dolphins so many different times. McGwire would have to put forth a stellar pre-season performance to beat out Pederson for that spot.

RUNNING GAME NO BIG DEAL

The running game didn't accomplish a whole lot: 22 rushes for only 61 yards; that's a 2.8 yards per carry.

Irving Spikes looked good at times though his numbers don't reflect that: 9 carries, 25 yards.

Brent Moss had 6 carries for 15 yards.

Bernie Parmalee looked pretty decent with 4 carries for 12 yards.

JAGUARS RALLY AGAINST DOLPHINS 'SECOND TEAM'

Tim Ruddy had a strong night; looked impressive with his blocking. Keep in mind the Dolphins took a 14 pt. lead with all its first teamers. When the Dolphins second and third teamers came in, Jacksonville was able to make their rally.

Chris Graham (Ed Note: Chris Gray?) had his problems; he was pushed around and had a holding penalty. Billy Milner also called for holding penalty

Andrew Green looked a little bit better than Milner, but he plays in middle of line so it's hard to tell.

No player stood out negatively.

THE RECEIVING CORPS:

Gary Clark only caught two passes, and he had a couple of passes that he could have completed

Sanders: 4 catches for 44 yards.

Terry Kirby made a nice shoestring catch, having to reach out and grab it with his fingertips, then resort to running tip-toe in to keep it in-bounds.

Punting game: John Kidd has strong night with 49.2 yds. -- average on 5 punts.

DEFENSE, DEFENSE:

Defense: Emtman got a lot of playing time, looked impressive though he said he made a lot of mental mistakes. Beavers looked impressive; his blitz was perfectly timed. William Gaines, trying to make the team as a backup defensive tackle, also looked pretty impressive. He had four tackles.

Pat Johnson had leading tackles with 5. Trace Armstrong also had one of the team sacks. Cornerback Frankie Smith had the third sack on the Dolphins.

Deon Foxx had a strong night; made beautiful block on the first punt return. Also had four tackles on defense.

NEWCOMERS TO WATCH:

Tim Ruddy, Ricky Sanders, Trace Armstrong, Steve Emtman, and Aubrey Beavers.

TIDBITS:

It's possible that Terry Kirby may not play next week in Atlanta because that game is played on astroturf.

Tim Bowens was held out of last night's game as a precautionary measure.