The Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night, 24-21, to end the Saints' bid for an undefeated preseason. Pat Devlin was the player of the game for Miami, throwing two touchdown passes, including a 56-yard strike to Marvin McNutt with just over three minutes remaining in the game.
Saints vs. Dolphins 2013 results: Miami ends New Orleans’ undefeated preseason bid, 24-21
The Dolphins squeaked by the Saints courtesy of Pat Devlin’s arm after the Saints scored two quick fourth quarter touchdowns to turn the tables.
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Devlin went 22-for-38 passing for 259 yards and two touchdown for the game. He also added two costly interceptions, but was able to make up for them in the end. McNutt was his favorite target, finishing as the Dolphins’ leading receiver with four receptions for 99 yards and a score.
The game went the Dolphins' way for three quarters and change. After 45 minutes, Miami led 16-6 and appeared to be in control. Rookie tight end Dion Sims emerged as potential replacement for the injured Dustin Keller, catching four passes for 36 yards and the team's only touchdown before McNutt's capper.
The Saints rebounded quickly in the fourth quarter, though. Down 16-6, they scored two straight touchdowns in less than four minutes. The first came at the end of an 80-yard drive when Khiry Robinson fumbled on a one-yard plunge and the ball was recovered in the end zone by reserve offensive guard Tim Lelito. The second was set up by a 53-yard pass from Ryan Griffin to Saalim Hakim and capped by a two-yard pass to Austin Johnson.
The Saints' offense was spurred by the running game most of the night. Robinson led the team with 20 carries for 93 yards, while Mark Ingram pitched in nine carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. Both players averaged better than five yards per carry. Playing without Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas, the Dolphins got a nice contribution from Mike Gillislee, who had 14 carries for 47 yards.
Injury report
Saints wide receiver Nick Toon came down awkwardly on a diving catch and had to be taken into the locker room.
Did they cover?
The Dolphins were favored by five points at kickoff, so they failed to cover. At least they provided some entertainment value.
What’s next?
Sept. 9, 1 p.m. ET: New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
Sept. 9, 1 p.m. ET: Miami Dolphins vs. Indianapolis Colts
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