Rookie CB solidifies spot for unbeaten Fins

September, 4, 2009
9/04/09
9:08
AM ET

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham


It wasn't exactly 1972, but undefeated still must feel pretty good if you're a Dolfan.

The Miami Dolphins finished their first perfect preseason in over a decade with a 10-7 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome.

Winning the fourth exhibition isn't any team's objective. Emerging without any serious injuries is accomplishment enough, especially for a club that doesn't have many tough decisions to make for the 53-man roster.

But one player who stood tall was rookie Sean Smith. The 6-foot-3 cornerback had another strong performance with a scintillating interception that was chosen No. 1 on "SportsCenter's" Top Plays.

No, Drew Brees didn't play, but snaring a Mark Brunell pass in the end zone -- seizing the ball's lowest tip with one hand and dramatically tapping both feet barely inbounds -- isn't the same as stealing a floater from John Fourcade.

"It was very impressive, very impressive," Dolphins pass-rusher Jason Taylor said via the Palm Beach Post. "It's scary. The kid's got talent."

Unlike the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, the Dolphins played their first-stringers a little. Chad Pennington went 8-of-11 for 67 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.

Backup quarterback Chad Henne completed an uninspiring preseason by going 11-of-16 for 69 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?