2009 Miami Dolphins season
Encyclopedia
The 2009
Miami Dolphins
season was the organization's 40th season in the National Football League
and 44th overall. The Dolphins entered the 2009 season as the reigning AFC East champions after posting an 11–5 record in 2008
. Dropping four more games in 2009, they failed to make the playoffs, marking the 25th consecutive year that the region hosting the Super Bowl would not see its host team play in it (not counting, of course, the years where Super Bowls have been played on neutral sites).
on January 14, 2009, just one year after he was hired to head coach
Tony Sparano
's staff. During Maser's lone season with the Dolphins, the team had the 12th-best offensive in the league with 345.6 yards per game. A day after firing Maser, the team hired Dave DeGuglielmo
, who had been the assistant offensive line coach for the New York Giants
, as their new offensive line coach.
After kicking coach Steve Hoffman
left the team to join the Kansas City Chiefs
, the Dolphins hired University of Rhode Island
head coach Darren Rizzi
as the assistant special teams coach on February 21.
, ERFA: Exclusive-rights free agent
, the Dolphins' pick moved up one spot to 25th after the Arizona Cardinals
and Philadelphia Eagles
made it to the NFC Championship. Both the Cardinals (9–7) and Eagles (9–6–1) were projected to pick before the Dolphins (11–5), but with one guaranteed to make the Super Bowl
(and thus pick 31st or 32nd depending on the outcome) the Dolphins moved up one position in the draft.
Notes
, the Dolphins signed the following nine undrafted free agents on April 30:
The team later signed guard J. D. Quinn
(Montana
) on May 11. Two of the undrafted rookies would end up leaving the team shortly after signing, with Bronson failing to report to training camp on August 2 and Rogers opting for retirement on August 6.
in 2008, the Dolphins went to the Georgia Dome to take on 2008 playoff contenders, the Atlanta Falcons
.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Falcons got on the board with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan
to fullback Ovie Mughelli
in the second quarter. They also got a 36-yard field goal by kicker Jason Elam
to make the score 10–0 at halftime. In the third quarter, Mike Peterson
intercepted a Chad Pennington
pass, which set up a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez and a 50-yard field goal by Jason Elam to make the score 19–0. Chad Pennington then hit a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Williams
.
The Falcons won the game 19–7.
In 2008, no other team turned the ball over less than the Dolphins with only 13 turnovers, but in Week 1 Miami's offense had 4 turnovers, without having a single turnover on defense.
, the Dolphins host their home opener to the Indianapolis Colts
. On the first play from scrimmage, Peyton Manning
threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Clark
. The Dolphins answered with a 14-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown
out of the Wildcat Offense
. The Dolphins and Colts kept going back and forth at each other with two field goals by Dan Carpenter
and Adam Vinatieri
to make the score 13–13 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, Ronnie Brown ran 2-yards for a touchdown to put Miami up 20–13. The Colts answered back with a 15-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Donald Brown
. Miami than hit a 45-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. But the Colts took the lead thanks to a 48-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon
. The Dolphins tried to rally at the end of the game but Chad Pennington
was intercepted by Antoine Bethea
to sucure the Colts victory.
The Colts won the game 27–23.
The Dolphins dominated the game in the time of possession battle, but lost the game with almost 50 minutes of offensive possession.
to take on the San Diego Chargers
.
After a scoreless first quarter, Nate Kaeding
hit a 25-yard field goal to score the first points of the game. Miami would answer with a 24-yard field goal to tie the game at halftime 3–3. Miami would then take the lead after a 23-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter
. But the Chargers would retake the lead with a 5-yard touchdoun run by Philip Rivers
. The Chargers would pull away in the fourth quarter with two Nate Kaeding field goals and a 31-yard interception return by safety Eric Weddle
. The Dolphins would get a 14-yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams
, but couldn't make a comeback.
The Chargers won the game 23–13
Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington
left the game with a shoulder injury after being hit by linebacker Kevin Burnett
and was out for the season. The Dolphins chose Chad Henne
to lead the Dolphins for the rest of the season.
came off of a 0–3 start and tried to rebound against the Buffalo Bills
. After a scoreless first quarter the Dolphins rallied quick with a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown by rookie Vontae Davis
and a 1-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown
along with a 33-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter
making the halftime score 17–3. Miami would continue with a Chad Henne
touchdown pass to Brian Hartline
and a 1-yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams
. Trent Edwards
would hit Josh Reed
for a 3-yard touchdown but Miami ended the game with a 1-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown.
The Dolphins won the game 38–10.
Chad Henne made his first NFL start and threw for 115 yards and a touchdown.
. It resulted in the Dolphins' elimination from the post-season (including Super Bowl XLIV
, which they hosted February 8, 2010), and also, by virtue of the final standings' tiebreaker (as the result of the Baltimore Ravens
defeating the Oakland Raiders
), the Steelers themselves being dethroned of their world title defense.
2009 NFL season
The 2009 NFL season was the 90th regular season of the National Football League.The preseason started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 9, 2009, and the regular season began September 10. The season ended with Super Bowl XLIV, the league's championship game, on February 7, 2010 at...
Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the organization's 40th season in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
and 44th overall. The Dolphins entered the 2009 season as the reigning AFC East champions after posting an 11–5 record in 2008
2008 Miami Dolphins season
The 2008 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 39th season in the National Football League and 43rd overall. During the regular season the Dolphins completed the greatest single-season turnaround in NFL history, going from a 1–15 regular season record in 2007 to an 11–5 record in 2008...
. Dropping four more games in 2009, they failed to make the playoffs, marking the 25th consecutive year that the region hosting the Super Bowl would not see its host team play in it (not counting, of course, the years where Super Bowls have been played on neutral sites).
Coaching staff
The Dolphins fired offensive line coach Mike MaserMike Maser
Mike Maser is an American football offensive line coach, most recently for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League in 2008. He previously served in the same capacity for the Carolina Panthers from 2003 to 2006. He has over three decades of college and pro coaching experience....
on January 14, 2009, just one year after he was hired to head coach
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
Tony Sparano
Tony Sparano
Anthony "Tony" Sparano III is an American Football head coach of the Miami Dolphins. At age 17, Sparano had an incident which burnt his eyes, which is why he always wears his signature sunglasses even at night...
's staff. During Maser's lone season with the Dolphins, the team had the 12th-best offensive in the league with 345.6 yards per game. A day after firing Maser, the team hired Dave DeGuglielmo
Dave DeGuglielmo
Dave DeGuglielmo is an American football offensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.-Early years:...
, who had been the assistant offensive line coach for the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, as their new offensive line coach.
After kicking coach Steve Hoffman
Steve Hoffman (American football)
Steve Hoffman is an American football special teams coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League...
left the team to join the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
, the Dolphins hired University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is the principal public research university in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Its main campus is located in Kingston. Additional campuses include the Feinstein Campus in Providence, the Narragansett Bay Campus in Narragansett, and the W. Alton Jones Campus in West...
head coach Darren Rizzi
Darren Rizzi
-References:...
as the assistant special teams coach on February 21.
Re-signings
- January 5 – Re-signed wide receiver Anthony Armstrong, cornerback Scorpio BabersScorpio BabersScorpio Babers is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an street free agent in 2008...
, cornerback Will BillingsleyWill BillingsleyWilfred Billingsley is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a street free agent in 2008...
, fullback Chris BrownChris Brown (fullback)Christopher Michael Brown is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Tennessee....
, defensive tackle Joe CohenJoe CohenJoe Cohen is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League . Cohen played college football for the University of Florida, and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, running back Lex HilliardLex HilliardHilliard returned to the field as a fifth-year senior in 2007, appearing in 11 games for the Grizzlies. He rushed for 1,132 yards and 16 touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Big Sky honors. He topped the 100-yard rushing plateau seven times during the season....
and wide receiver Todd LowberTodd LowberTodd Lowber is a professional American and Canadian football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League...
. - February 20 – Re-signed offensive tackle Vernon CareyVernon CareyVernon A. Carey is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins 19th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:Carey lettered in football and basketball at Miami...
. - February 25 – Re-signed linebacker Channing CrowderChanning CrowderRandolph Channing Crowder, Jr. is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida, and was recognized as an All-American...
. - February 27 – Re-signed safety Yeremiah BellYeremiah BellYeremiah Neavius Bell is an American football safety for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. - May 16 – Signed fullback Lousaka PoliteLousaka PoliteLousaka Romon Polite is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Pittsburgh.Polite has also played for the Chicago Bears...
to a multi-year extension. - May 26 – Signed cornerback Will Allen to a multi-year extension.
- June 22 – Signed safety Tyrone CulverTyrone CulverTyrone Culver is an American football safety for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
to a multi-year extension.
Signings
- January 6 – Claimed linebacker Tearrius GeorgeTearrius GeorgeTearrius George is a gridiron football defensive end for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
off waivers from the New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. - January 19 – Signed safety Ethan KilmerEthan KilmerEthan Michael Kilmer is a former American football safety of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
(BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
) and linebacker Cameron WakeCameron WakeDerek Cameron Wake is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State....
(BC LionsBC LionsThe BC Lions are a professional Canadian football team competing in the West Division of Canadian Football League . Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Lions play their home games at BC Place Stadium in Downtown Vancouver, having previously played at Empire Stadium in East Vancouver from 1954...
). - February 25 – Signed safety Gibril WilsonGibril WilsonGibril Donald Wilson is an American football safety for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.Wilson earned a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII...
(RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
). - February 27 – Signed guard Joe BergerJoe BergerJoseph David Berger is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech....
(CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
). - March 3 – Signed center Jake GroveJake GroveCharles Jacob Grove is a retired American football center, most recently for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
(RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
). - March 12 – Signed cornerback Eric Green (CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
). - April 25 – Signed punter Jy BondJy BondJy Bond is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a street free agent in 2009.Bond has also been a member of the New York Giants and Hartford Colonials....
(AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
). - May 13 – Signed linebacker Jason TaylorJason Taylor (American football)Jason Paul Taylor is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft...
(RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
).
Departures
- February 10 – Waived guard Matt McChesneyMatt McChesneyMatthew McChesney is a former American football guard in the National Football League. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Colorado....
and linebacker Kelvin SmithKelvin SmithKelvin Vincent Smith is an American football linebacker of the National Football League for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. - March 2 – Terminated the contract of defensive end Vonnie HollidayVonnie HollidayDimetry Giovonni "Vonnie" Holliday is an American football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 19th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
. - April 27 – Released quarterback John Beck.
- June 1 – Released wide receiver Todd LowberTodd LowberTodd Lowber is a professional American and Canadian football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League...
. - June 15 – Released cornerback Scorpio BabersScorpio BabersScorpio Babers is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an street free agent in 2008...
and punter Jy BondJy BondJy Bond is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a street free agent in 2009.Bond has also been a member of the New York Giants and Hartford Colonials....
.
Trades
- March 19 – Acquired defensive tackle Tony McDanielTony McDaniel-External links:**...
from the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in exchange for seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft2009 NFL DraftThe 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
. - March 23 – Traded center Samson SateleSamson SateleSamson H. Satele is an American football center for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
to the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in exchange for a sixth-round pick and a swap of fourth-round picks in the 2009 NFL Draft2009 NFL DraftThe 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
.
Free agents
UFA: Unrestricted free agent, RFA: Restricted free agentRestricted free agent
A restricted free agent is a professional athlete who plays in the KHL, NFL, NHL, or NBA. Such players have special restrictions on the terms under which they can retain or change employment status with their athletic club teams.- NFL :...
, ERFA: Exclusive-rights free agent
| Position | Player | Free agency status |
Date signed | 2009 team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS | Yeremiah Bell Yeremiah Bell Yeremiah Neavius Bell is an American football safety for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
UFA | 2/26 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| OT | Vernon Carey Vernon Carey Vernon A. Carey is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins 19th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:Carey lettered in football and basketball at Miami... |
UFA | 2/20 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| LB | Channing Crowder Channing Crowder Randolph Channing Crowder, Jr. is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida, and was recognized as an All-American... |
UFA | 2/25 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| CB | André Goodman | UFA | 3/1 | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| TE | Aaron Halterman Aaron Halterman Aaron Halterman is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Indiana.... |
ERFA | ||
| FS | Renaldo Hill Renaldo Hill Renaldo Hill is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.... |
UFA | 2/27 | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| C | Al Johnson | UFA | 3/17 | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
| LB | Quentin Moses Quentin Moses Quentin Moses is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League.-Early years:Moses attended Cedar Shoals High School... |
ERFA | 3/31 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| G | Ike Ndukwe Ike Ndukwe Ikechukwu Nelson "Ike" Ndukwe is an American football offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
ERFA | 3/20 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| WR | Tab Perry Tab Perry Tab Wilson Perry is an American football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
UFA | ||
| LB | Derek Smith Derek Smith (linebacker) Derek Mecham Smith is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft... |
UFA |
| = Retained by Dolphins |
2009 NFL Draft
Originally slated to have the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
, the Dolphins' pick moved up one spot to 25th after the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
made it to the NFC Championship. Both the Cardinals (9–7) and Eagles (9–6–1) were projected to pick before the Dolphins (11–5), but with one guaranteed to make the Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLIII
Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,...
(and thus pick 31st or 32nd depending on the outcome) the Dolphins moved up one position in the draft.
| Draft | | Name | | Position | | College | | Height | | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rnd | Pick | |||||
| 1 | 25 | Vontae Davis Vontae Davis -Miami Dolphins:Davis was signed by the Dolphins to a five-year deal with a guarantee in excess of $7 million. Davis recorded his first career interception in Week 4 of the 2009 season against Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, returning it 23 yards for a touchdown. Davis finished his rookie... |
CB Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a large public research-intensive university in the state of Illinois, United States. It is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system... |
5'11" | 203 |
| 2 | 44 | Pat White | QB/WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
West Virginia West Virginia University West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;... |
6'0" | 197 |
| 61 | Sean Smith Sean Smith (cornerback) Sean Smith is an American football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
CB | Utah University of Utah The University of Utah, also known as the U or the U of U, is a public, coeducational research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The university was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, making it Utah's oldest... |
6'4" | 215 | |
| 3 | 87 | Patrick Turner Patrick Turner Patrick Turner is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
USC University of Southern California The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university... |
6'5" | 220 |
| 4 | 108 | Brian Hartline Brian Hartline Brian Hartline is an American Football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He is the brother of Mike Hartline, a 4th string quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.... |
WR | Ohio State Ohio State University The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States... |
6'3" | 188 |
| 5 | 161 | John Nalbone John Nalbone Johnathan Gregory "John" Nalbone is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
TE Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Monmouth Monmouth University Monmouth University is a private university located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, United States.Founded in 1933 as Monmouth Junior College, it became Monmouth College in 1956, and later Monmouth University in 1995 after receiving its charter.... |
6'4" | 255 |
| 165 | Chris Clemons Chris Clemons (safety) Chris Clemons is an American football safety for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson.... |
FS | Clemson Clemson University Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States.... |
6'1" | 210 | |
| 6 | 181 | Andrew Gardner Andrew Gardner (American football) Andrew James Gardner is an offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
OT | Georgia Tech Georgia Institute of Technology The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States... |
6'6" | 305 |
| 7 | 214 | J. D. Folsom J. D. Folsom John David "J. D." Folsom is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
ILB | Weber State Weber State University Weber State University is a public university located in the city of Ogden in Weber County, Utah, USA. It was founded in 1889 and is a coeducational, publicly supported university offering professional, liberal arts and technical certificates, as well as associate, bachelor's and master's degrees... |
6'3" | 230 |
Notes
- The Dolphins acquired Washington'sWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
2009 second-round pick when they traded defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Jason TaylorJason Taylor (American football)Jason Paul Taylor is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft...
in July 2008. - The Dolphins traded their 2009 sixth-round pick to the Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
when they acquired defensive tackle Jason FergusonJason FergusonJason O. Ferguson is a former American football defensive tackle who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League, for the New York Jets—who originally selected in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft—, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins...
in February 2008. - The Dolphins acquired Cleveland'sCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
2009 seventh-round pick when they traded cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Travis DanielsTravis DanielsTravis Antwon Daniels is an American football cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
in August 2008. - The Dolphins acquired Carolina'sCarolina PanthersThe Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
2009 seventh-round pick when they traded quarterbackQuarterbackQuarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Josh McCownJosh McCownJoshua Treadwell McCown is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Sam Houston State.McCown has played for the Detroit Lions, Oakland...
in August 2008. - The Dolphins traded its second-round selection (56th overall) to IndianapolisIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
for their second- and fifth-round selection (61st and 165th overall, respectively). - The Dolphins traded their second 2009 seventh-round selection (237th pick) to Kansas CityKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
for a 2010 seventh-round selection.
Draft pick signings
- May 21 – Signed tight end John NalboneJohn NalboneJohnathan Gregory "John" Nalbone is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
to a four-year contract. - June 18 – Signed offensive tackle Andrew GardnerAndrew Gardner (American football)Andrew James Gardner is an offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
to a four-year contract. - July 3 – Signed wide receiver Patrick TurnerPatrick TurnerPatrick Turner is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
to a four-year contract. - July 3 – Signed linebacker J. D. FolsomJ. D. FolsomJohn David "J. D." Folsom is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
to a four-year contract. - July 15 – Signed wide receiver Brian HartlineBrian HartlineBrian Hartline is an American Football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He is the brother of Mike Hartline, a 4th string quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts....
to a four-year contract. - July 24 – Signed cornerback Sean SmithSean Smith (cornerback)Sean Smith is an American football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
to a four-year contract. - August 1 – Signed cornerback Vontae DavisVontae Davis-Miami Dolphins:Davis was signed by the Dolphins to a five-year deal with a guarantee in excess of $7 million. Davis recorded his first career interception in Week 4 of the 2009 season against Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, returning it 23 yards for a touchdown. Davis finished his rookie...
to a five-year contract. - August 2 – Signed quarterback Pat White to a four-year contract.
- August 2 – Signed safety Chris ClemonsChris Clemons (safety)Chris Clemons is an American football safety for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson....
to a four-year contract.
Undrafted free agents
Following the 2009 NFL Draft2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
, the Dolphins signed the following nine undrafted free agents on April 30:
|
Brennan Marion Brennan Randall Marion is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Tulsa.... (Tulsa Tulsa Golden Hurricane football The University of Tulsa's Golden Hurricane football team represents Tulsa in Conference USA. Tulsa is currently coached by first-year head coach Bill Blankenship. The football team was coached by Todd Graham until he accepted the head coaching job at Pittsburgh.... ) Orion Martin David Orion Martin is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009... (Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... ) Houston Cougars football The Houston Cougars football program is an NCAA Division I FBS football team that represents the University of Houston. The team is commonly referred to as "Houston" or "UH" . The UH football program is currently a member of the Conference USA intercollegiate athletic conference, and is coached by... ) Chris Williams (wide receiver) Chris Williams is a professional Canadian football wide receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009... (New Mexico State New Mexico State Aggies football The New Mexico State Aggies football team represents New Mexico State University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football competition as a member of the Western Athletic Conference .... ) |
The team later signed guard J. D. Quinn
J. D. Quinn
James "J. D." Quinn is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009, but was later released during training camp. He played college football at Montana...
(Montana
Montana Grizzlies football
The Montana Grizzlies football program represents the University of Montana in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision of college football. The Grizzlies have competed in the Big Sky Conference, where it is a founding member, since 1963...
) on May 11. Two of the undrafted rookies would end up leaving the team shortly after signing, with Bronson failing to report to training camp on August 2 and Rogers opting for retirement on August 6.
Opening camp roster
| Miami Dolphins 2009 opening training camp roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Andy Alleman Andrew "Andy" Alleman is an American football guard. Alleman last played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League in 2010. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft... G/C Joe Berger Joseph David Berger is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.... G Vernon Carey Vernon A. Carey is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins 19th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:Carey lettered in football and basketball at Miami... T Brandon Frye Brandon Lee Frye is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech.... G/T Andrew Gardner (American football) Andrew James Gardner is an offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... T Nate Garner Nate Garner is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas.-External links:**... T Jake Grove Charles Jacob Grove is a retired American football center, most recently for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... C Jake Long Jake Edward Long is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Dolphins first overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan... T Shawn Murphy (American football) Shawn Murphy is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.... G Ike Ndukwe Ikechukwu Nelson "Ike" Ndukwe is an American football offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2005... G Justin Smiley Justin Smiley is a former American football guard. He was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Charlie Anderson Charlie Alexander Anderson is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... OLB Akin Ayodele Akinola James "Akin" Ayodele is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft... ILB Channing Crowder Randolph Channing Crowder, Jr. is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida, and was recognized as an All-American... ILB J. D. Folsom John David "J. D." Folsom is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... ILB Tearrius George Tearrius George is a gridiron football defensive end for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006... OLB William Kershaw William Howard Kershaw, Jr. is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2006... ILB Orion Martin David Orion Martin is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009... OLB Quentin Moses Quentin Moses is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League.-Early years:Moses attended Cedar Shoals High School... OLB Joey Porter Joseph "Joey" Eugene Porter is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a... OLB/DE Jason Taylor (American football) Jason Paul Taylor is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft... OLB/DE Reggie Torbor Reggie Jermaine Torbor is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.Torbor has also played for the Miami Dolphins... ILB Cameron Wake Derek Cameron Wake is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State.... OLB/DE Erik Walden Erik Lashawn Walden is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... OLB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Matt Roth Matthew M. Roth is an American football defensive end and outside linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft... OLB (Active/NF-Inj.)  Rookies in italics |
|||||
Final preseason roster
| Miami Dolphins 2009 final preseason roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Joe Berger Joseph David Berger is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.... C Vernon Carey Vernon A. Carey is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins 19th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:Carey lettered in football and basketball at Miami... T Brandon Frye Brandon Lee Frye is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech.... G/T Andrew Gardner (American football) Andrew James Gardner is an offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... T Nate Garner Nate Garner is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas.-External links:**... T Jake Grove Charles Jacob Grove is a retired American football center, most recently for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... C Jake Long Jake Edward Long is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Dolphins first overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan... T Shawn Murphy (American football) Shawn Murphy is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.... G Justin Smiley Justin Smiley is a former American football guard. He was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Charlie Anderson Charlie Alexander Anderson is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... OLB Akin Ayodele Akinola James "Akin" Ayodele is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft... ILB Channing Crowder Randolph Channing Crowder, Jr. is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida, and was recognized as an All-American... ILB J. D. Folsom John David "J. D." Folsom is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... ILB William Kershaw William Howard Kershaw, Jr. is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2006... ILB Quentin Moses Quentin Moses is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League.-Early years:Moses attended Cedar Shoals High School... OLB Joey Porter Joseph "Joey" Eugene Porter is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a... OLB/DE Jason Taylor (American football) Jason Paul Taylor is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft... OLB/DE Reggie Torbor Reggie Jermaine Torbor is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.Torbor has also played for the Miami Dolphins... ILB Cameron Wake Derek Cameron Wake is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State.... OLB/DE Erik Walden Erik Lashawn Walden is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... OLB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Ethan Kilmer Ethan Michael Kilmer is a former American football safety of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... FS (Left Squad) Joe Kowalewski Joe Kowalewski is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Syracuse.... FB (IR) Brennan Marion Brennan Randall Marion is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Tulsa.... WR (IR) Matt Roth Matthew M. Roth is an American football defensive end and outside linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft... OLB (Active/NF-Inj.) Rookies in italics |
|||||
Transactions
- August 2 – Waived guard J. D. QuinnJ. D. QuinnJames "J. D." Quinn is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009, but was later released during training camp. He played college football at Montana...
and placed tight end Jared Bronson on the Reserve/Did Not Report list. - August 4 – Placed linebacker Matt RothMatt RothMatthew M. Roth is an American football defensive end and outside linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
on the Active/Non-Football Injury list. - August 5 – Waived/injured wide receiver Brennan MarionBrennan MarionBrennan Randall Marion is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Tulsa....
. - August 6 – Waived fullback Chris BrownChris Brown (fullback)Christopher Michael Brown is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Tennessee....
and signed fullback Matt Quillen. - August 6 – Placed wide receiver Brennan MarionBrennan MarionBrennan Randall Marion is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Tulsa....
on injured reserveInjured reserveThe injured reserve list is a list of reserved players who are injured and unable to play for a period of time, used most prominently in the National Hockey League and National Football League . It is used because these leagues have a maximum number of players on the team roster, so placing a...
. and offensive tackle SirVincent Rogers on the Reserve/Retired list. - August 10 – Waived fullback Matt Quillen and signed wide receiver James Robinson and placekicker Connor BarthConnor BarthConnor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
. - August 11 – Signed fullback Joe KowalewskiJoe KowalewskiJoe Kowalewski is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Syracuse....
. - August 12 – Placed safety Ethan KilmerEthan KilmerEthan Michael Kilmer is a former American football safety of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
on the Commissioner's Exemption list. - August 19 – Released cornerback Eric Green.
- August 19 – Moved safety Ethan KilmerEthan KilmerEthan Michael Kilmer is a former American football safety of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
to the Reserve/Left Squad list. - August 24 – Waived running back Anthony Kimble, nose tackle Joe CohenJoe CohenJoe Cohen is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League . Cohen played college football for the University of Florida, and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, linebacker Tearrius GeorgeTearrius GeorgeTearrius George is a gridiron football defensive end for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
and linebacker Orion MartinOrion MartinDavid Orion Martin is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
. - August 24 – Waived/injured wide receiver Chris WilliamsChris Williams (wide receiver)Chris Williams is a professional Canadian football wide receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
. - August 24 – Traded offensive lineman Andy AllemanAndy AllemanAndrew "Andy" Alleman is an American football guard. Alleman last played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League in 2010. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
and Ikechuku Ndukwe to the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
in exchange for an undisclosed 2010 NFL Draft2010 NFL DraftThe 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
pick. - August 25 – Released wide receiver Chris WilliamsChris Williams (wide receiver)Chris Williams is a professional Canadian football wide receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
with an injury settlement. - August 29 – Waived wide receiver Anthony Armstrong, nose tackle Louis Ellis and placekicker Connor BarthConnor BarthConnor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
. - August 29 – Waived/injured fullback Joe KowalewskiJoe KowalewskiJoe Kowalewski is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Syracuse....
. - September 1 – Placed fullback Joe KowalewskiJoe KowalewskiJoe Kowalewski is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Syracuse....
on injured reserveInjured reserveThe injured reserve list is a list of reserved players who are injured and unable to play for a period of time, used most prominently in the National Hockey League and National Football League . It is used because these leagues have a maximum number of players on the team roster, so placing a...
. - September 5 – Waived or released safety Courtney BryanCourtney BryanCourtney Bryan is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
, offensive tackle Brandon FryeBrandon FryeBrandon Lee Frye is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech....
, linebacker William KershawWilliam KershawWilliam Howard Kershaw, Jr. is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
, wide receiver Brandon LondonBrandon LondonBrandon Jaime London is an American football wide receiver who is currently playing with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Massachusetts.London has also played for the Miami...
, cornerback Joey ThomasJoey ThomasJoseph Elleweyn "Joey" Thomas is an American football cornerback of the National Football League who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, defensive end Rodrique WrightRodrique WrightRodrique Charles Wright is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, offensive tackle Nate GarnerNate GarnerNate Garner is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas.-External links:**...
, cornerback Will BillingsleyWill BillingsleyWilfred Billingsley is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a street free agent in 2008...
, defensive end Ryan Baker, guard Mark Lewis, linebacker J. D. FolsomJ. D. FolsomJohn David "J. D." Folsom is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
and wide receiver James Robinson.
Schedule and results
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL.com Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 17 | 7:30 pm | Jacksonville Jaguars 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. This was the first season for new general manager Gene Smith, who hoped to usher in a "rebuilding" era for the Jaguars franchise. The Jaguars improved upon their 5–11 record in 2008, however did... |
W 12–9 | 1–0 | Landshark Stadium | WFOR WFOR-TV WFOR-TV, virtual channel 4.1 , is the CBS owned-and-operated station in Miami, Florida. WFOR shares its TV studio facilities with sister station WBFS-TV in Doral, near Miami International Airport, and its transmitter is located in Miramar.WFOR-TV also previously had two translator stations in the... |
Recap |
| 2 | August 22 | 7:30 pm | Carolina Panthers 2009 Carolina Panthers season The 2009 Carolina Panthers season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve on their franchise-record 12–4 season in 2008 and also failed to make the playoffs.-2009 NFL Draft:-Trades:... |
W 27–17 | 2–0 | Landshark Stadium | WFOR WFOR-TV WFOR-TV, virtual channel 4.1 , is the CBS owned-and-operated station in Miami, Florida. WFOR shares its TV studio facilities with sister station WBFS-TV in Doral, near Miami International Airport, and its transmitter is located in Miramar.WFOR-TV also previously had two translator stations in the... |
Recap |
| 3 | August 27 | 8:00 pm | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the... |
W 10–6 | 3–0 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 4 | September 3 | 8:00 pm | at New Orleans Saints 2009 New Orleans Saints season The 2009 New Orleans Saints season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the... |
W 10–7 | 4–0 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
WFOR WFOR-TV WFOR-TV, virtual channel 4.1 , is the CBS owned-and-operated station in Miami, Florida. WFOR shares its TV studio facilities with sister station WBFS-TV in Doral, near Miami International Airport, and its transmitter is located in Miramar.WFOR-TV also previously had two translator stations in the... |
Recap |
Schedule
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 13 | 1:00 pm | at Atlanta Falcons 2009 Atlanta Falcons season The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15... |
L 7–19 | 0–1 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 21 | 8:30 pm | Indianapolis Colts 2009 Indianapolis Colts season The 2009 Indianapolis Colts season was the 57th season for the team in the National Football League and the 26th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not have Tony Dungy on their coaching staff, due to his retirement from coaching... |
L 23–27 | 0–2 | LandShark Stadium | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
Recap |
| 3 | September 27 | 4:15 pm | at San Diego Chargers 2009 San Diego Chargers season The 2009 San Diego Chargers season was the 50th season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL. The Chargers improved upon their regular season record of 8–8 in 2008 and won their division for the fourth straight year and fifth time in six seasons... |
L 13–23 | 0–3 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
CBS | Recap |
| 4 | October 4 | 4:05 pm | Buffalo Bills 2009 Buffalo Bills season The 2009 Buffalo Bills season was the 50th Professional Football season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL... |
W 38–10 | 1–3 | LandShark Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 5 | October 12 | 8:30 pm | New York Jets 2009 New York Jets season The 2009 New York Jets season was the 50th season for the club and the 40th season in the National Football League and the last season at Giants Stadium. While they did not improve their 9–7 record from 2008, this time the team headed to the playoffs. The Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini on... |
W 31–27 | 2–3 | LandShark Stadium | ESPN | Recap |
| 6 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
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| 7 | October 25 | 4:15 pm | New Orleans Saints 2009 New Orleans Saints season The 2009 New Orleans Saints season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the... |
L 34–46 | 2–4 | LandShark Stadium | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 8 | November 1 | 1:00 pm | at New York Jets 2009 New York Jets season The 2009 New York Jets season was the 50th season for the club and the 40th season in the National Football League and the last season at Giants Stadium. While they did not improve their 9–7 record from 2008, this time the team headed to the playoffs. The Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini on... |
W 30–25 | 3–4 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
CBS | Recap |
| 9 | November 8 | 1:00 pm | at New England Patriots 2009 New England Patriots season The 2009 New England Patriots season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and 50th season overall. They finished with a 10–6 record and a division title before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.... |
L 17–27 | 3–5 | Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution... |
CBS | Recap |
| 10 | November 15 | 1:00 pm | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the... |
W 25–23 | 4–5 | LandShark Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 11 | November 19 | 8:20 pm | at Carolina Panthers 2009 Carolina Panthers season The 2009 Carolina Panthers season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve on their franchise-record 12–4 season in 2008 and also failed to make the playoffs.-2009 NFL Draft:-Trades:... |
W 24–17 | 5–5 | Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East... |
NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
Recap |
| 12 | November 29 | 1:00 pm | at Buffalo Bills 2009 Buffalo Bills season The 2009 Buffalo Bills season was the 50th Professional Football season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL... |
L 14–31 | 5–6 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
CBS | Recap |
| 13 | December 6 | 1:00 pm | New England Patriots 2009 New England Patriots season The 2009 New England Patriots season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and 50th season overall. They finished with a 10–6 record and a division title before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.... |
W 22–21 | 6–6 | LandShark Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 14 | December 13 | 1:00 pm | at Jacksonville Jaguars 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. This was the first season for new general manager Gene Smith, who hoped to usher in a "rebuilding" era for the Jaguars franchise. The Jaguars improved upon their 5–11 record in 2008, however did... |
W 14–10 | 7–6 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 15 | December 20 | 1:00 pm | at Tennessee Titans 2009 Tennessee Titans season The 2009 Tennessee Titans season is the 50th season for the original American Football League team, their 40th in the NFL, and 13th in Tennessee. The Titans aimed to equal or improve on their 2008 NFL best 13–3 record; however, they lost the first 6 games of that season... |
L 27–24(OT) | 7–7 | LP Field LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.... |
CBS | Recap |
| 16 | December 27 | 1:00 pm | Houston Texans 2009 Houston Texans season The 2009 Houston Texans season is the 8th season for the team in the National Football League. The Texans improved upon their 8–8 record in 2008, claimed their first winning season in franchise history, and 4 straight heartbreaking division losses came back to haunt them, as they narrowly missed... |
L 27–20 | 7–8 | LandShark Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 17 | January 3 | 1:00 pm | Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 77th season in the National Football League . They were coming off a season in which they compiled a 12–4 regular season record and capped the season by winning the franchise's record sixth Super Bowl... |
L 24–30 | 7–9 | LandShark Stadium | CBS | Recap |
Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons
After a great season for the Miami DolphinsMiami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in 2008, the Dolphins went to the Georgia Dome to take on 2008 playoff contenders, the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Falcons got on the board with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
to fullback Ovie Mughelli
Ovie Mughelli
Ovie Phillip Mughelli is an American football fullback for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. He signed a 6-year, $18 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus on March 2, 2007 with the Falcons...
in the second quarter. They also got a 36-yard field goal by kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
to make the score 10–0 at halftime. In the third quarter, Mike Peterson
Mike Peterson
Porter Michael "Mike" Peterson is an American professional football player who has been a linebacker in the National Football League for thirteen seasons...
intercepted a Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
pass, which set up a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez and a 50-yard field goal by Jason Elam to make the score 19–0. Chad Pennington then hit a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
.
The Falcons won the game 19–7.
In 2008, no other team turned the ball over less than the Dolphins with only 13 turnovers, but in Week 1 Miami's offense had 4 turnovers, without having a single turnover on defense.
Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts
After a miserable loss to the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, the Dolphins host their home opener to the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. On the first play from scrimmage, Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Clark
Dallas Clark
Dallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
. The Dolphins answered with a 14-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown
Ronnie Brown
Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . After graduating from Cartersville High School in Georgia, Brown attended Auburn University to play college football for the Auburn Tigers...
out of the Wildcat Offense
Wildcat offense
|- style="text-align:center;"| || |- style="text-align:center;"| Base Wildcat || Speed Sweep|- style="text-align:center;"| || |- style="text-align:center;"| QB Counter || Split Zone|- style="text-align:center;"...
. The Dolphins and Colts kept going back and forth at each other with two field goals by Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
and Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
to make the score 13–13 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, Ronnie Brown ran 2-yards for a touchdown to put Miami up 20–13. The Colts answered back with a 15-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Donald Brown
Donald Brown (American football)
Donald Eugene Brown II is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was the starting running back for the University of Connecticut Huskies from 2006 to 2008.-High school career:Brown attended Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New...
. Miami than hit a 45-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. But the Colts took the lead thanks to a 48-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon
Pierre Garcon
Pierre Garçon is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. Garcon is of Haitian descent.- High school career...
. The Dolphins tried to rally at the end of the game but Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
was intercepted by Antoine Bethea
Antoine Bethea
Antoine Bethea is a professional American football safety for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Colts...
to sucure the Colts victory.
The Colts won the game 27–23.
The Dolphins dominated the game in the time of possession battle, but lost the game with almost 50 minutes of offensive possession.
Week 3: at San Diego Chargers
Looking for their first win of the season, the Dolphins traveled to Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
to take on the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
After a scoreless first quarter, Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
hit a 25-yard field goal to score the first points of the game. Miami would answer with a 24-yard field goal to tie the game at halftime 3–3. Miami would then take the lead after a 23-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
. But the Chargers would retake the lead with a 5-yard touchdoun run by Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
. The Chargers would pull away in the fourth quarter with two Nate Kaeding field goals and a 31-yard interception return by safety Eric Weddle
Eric Weddle
Eric Steven Weddle is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.-Early years:...
. The Dolphins would get a 14-yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
, but couldn't make a comeback.
The Chargers won the game 23–13
Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
left the game with a shoulder injury after being hit by linebacker Kevin Burnett
Kevin Burnett
Kevin Bradley Burnett is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
and was out for the season. The Dolphins chose Chad Henne
Chad Henne
Chad Steven Henne is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He graduated from Wilson Senior High School and attended the University of Michigan...
to lead the Dolphins for the rest of the season.
Week 4: vs. Buffalo Bills
The Miami DolphinsMiami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
came off of a 0–3 start and tried to rebound against the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter the Dolphins rallied quick with a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown by rookie Vontae Davis
Vontae Davis
-Miami Dolphins:Davis was signed by the Dolphins to a five-year deal with a guarantee in excess of $7 million. Davis recorded his first career interception in Week 4 of the 2009 season against Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, returning it 23 yards for a touchdown. Davis finished his rookie...
and a 1-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown
Ronnie Brown
Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . After graduating from Cartersville High School in Georgia, Brown attended Auburn University to play college football for the Auburn Tigers...
along with a 33-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
making the halftime score 17–3. Miami would continue with a Chad Henne
Chad Henne
Chad Steven Henne is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He graduated from Wilson Senior High School and attended the University of Michigan...
touchdown pass to Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline is an American Football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He is the brother of Mike Hartline, a 4th string quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts....
and a 1-yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
. Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
would hit Josh Reed
Josh Reed
Joshua Blake "Josh" Reed is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
for a 3-yard touchdown but Miami ended the game with a 1-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown.
The Dolphins won the game 38–10.
Chad Henne made his first NFL start and threw for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Week 5: vs. New York Jets
Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week 8: at New York Jets
Week 9: at New England Patriots
Week 10: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 11: at Carolina Panthers
Week 12: at Buffalo Bills
Week 13: vs. New England Patriots
Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 15: at Tennessee Titans
Week 16: vs. Houston Texans
Week 17: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The final outcome of this game had somewhat of a domino effectDomino effect
The domino effect is a chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby, which then will cause another similar change, and so on in linear sequence. The term is best known as a mechanical effect, and is used as an analogy to a falling row of dominoes...
. It resulted in the Dolphins' elimination from the post-season (including Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion New Orleans Saints to decide the National Football League champion for the 2009 season. The Saints defeated the Colts by a score of...
, which they hosted February 8, 2010), and also, by virtue of the final standings' tiebreaker (as the result of the Baltimore Ravens
2009 Baltimore Ravens season
The 2009 Baltimore Ravens season is the franchise's 14th season as a team in the National Football League . The franchise entered the season off an 11–5 record in their previous season, a playoff berth, but a loss in the American Football Conference Championship game against the eventual Super...
defeating the Oakland Raiders
2009 Oakland Raiders season
The 2009 Oakland Raiders season is the 50th season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL. On September 6, 2009, The Raiders traded a 2011 draft pick to the New England Patriots for 5x Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman Richard Seymour. With their loss to Dallas on November...
), the Steelers themselves being dethroned of their world title defense.
Staff
| Miami Dolphins 2009 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
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Final roster
| Miami Dolphins 2009 final roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Joe Berger Joseph David Berger is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.... C Vernon Carey Vernon A. Carey is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins 19th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:Carey lettered in football and basketball at Miami... T Andrew Gardner (American football) Andrew James Gardner is an offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... T Nate Garner Nate Garner is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas.-External links:**... G/T Jake Grove Charles Jacob Grove is a retired American football center, most recently for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... C Andrew Hartline Andrew Ryan Hartline is a free agent American football guard who last played for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Central Michigan.-External links:**... G/C Jake Long Jake Edward Long is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Dolphins first overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan... T Justin Smiley Justin Smiley is a former American football guard. He was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Charlie Anderson Charlie Alexander Anderson is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... OLB Akin Ayodele Akinola James "Akin" Ayodele is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft... ILB J. D. Folsom John David "J. D." Folsom is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... ILB Quentin Moses Quentin Moses is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League.-Early years:Moses attended Cedar Shoals High School... OLB Joey Porter Joseph "Joey" Eugene Porter is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a... OLB/DE Jason Taylor (American football) Jason Paul Taylor is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft... OLB/DE Reggie Torbor Reggie Jermaine Torbor is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.Torbor has also played for the Miami Dolphins... ILB Cameron Wake Derek Cameron Wake is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State.... OLB/DE Erik Walden Erik Lashawn Walden is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... OLB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Ronnie Brown Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . After graduating from Cartersville High School in Georgia, Brown attended Auburn University to play college football for the Auburn Tigers... RB (IR) Patrick Cobbs Patrick Cobbs is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He most recently was a member of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2006... RB (IR) Channing Crowder Randolph Channing Crowder, Jr. is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida, and was recognized as an All-American... ILB (IR) Jason Ferguson Jason O. Ferguson is a former American football defensive tackle who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League, for the New York Jets—who originally selected in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft—, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins... NT (IR) Ethan Kilmer Ethan Michael Kilmer is a former American football safety of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... FS (Left Squad) Brennan Marion Brennan Randall Marion is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Tulsa.... WR (IR) Lydon Murtha Lydon J. Murtha is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... OT (IR) Chad Pennington James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury... QB (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics 53 Active, 10 Inactive, 7 PS |
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