BY SEAN DONOVAN
The Miami Dolphins hoped they could end their tumultuous preseason on a positive note.
Instead, they were routed by the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday, concluding their third winless preseason in franchise history.
The Dolphins have sputtered on offense and been dominated on defense throughout the preseason, particularly when the starters were on the field. Miami has been outscored by opponents 63-16 in the first halves of their four preseason games, with only one touchdown coming from the first offensive unit.
They were also out-gained by an average of 71.5 yards per game.
Of course, the preseason isn't about wins and losses or even about the yards gained, but about how individual players perform in game action. But those result may be even more disappointing for Miami than the final scores.
The Dolphins were unable to settle any of the numerous concerns they have as they prepare to travel to Houston for their first regular season game of the 2012 season. Miami still has major question marks at the wide receiver, cornerback and linebacker positions, among others.
Philbin and the coaching staff will spend Thursday and Friday deciding which players will make the roster and which ones won't as they trim the roster to 53 players. General manager Jeff Ireland is also expected to look into acquiring help via trade and by sifting the waiver wire.
Regardless, after a terrible preseason, the coaches and fans alike are left with an unsettled feeling going into the first year of the Philbin-Tannehill era.
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