Backups try to impress in Saints’ loss to Dolphins

• By SHELDON MICKLES
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Aug 29, 2008 - Page: 1C - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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NEW ORLEANS — Thursday night was the last chance for some members of the New Orleans Saints to make their case for earning roster spots.

Some, such as embattled cornerback Jason David, wide receiver Lance Moore and veteran kicker Martin Gramatica, made good on their opportunities.

Others, such as third-string quarterback Tyler Palko, wide receiver Devery Henderson and rookie kicker Taylor Mehlhaff, didn’t fare so well as the Saints closed the preseason with a 14-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins in the Superdome.

Saints coach Sean Payton said earlier this week that he would likely reduce his roster from 75 players to the regular-season limit of 53 a day in advance of Saturday’s 3 p.m. CDT deadline.

As a result of their play in the losing effort, David, Moore and Gramatica probably slept a little better Thursday night.

David, who lost his starting job two weeks ago, gained some redemption with three tackles and a forced fumble on special teams, then intercepted a pass on defense in the third quarter.

“I had to convince the coaches and my teammates that I’m a good player with a good heart,” said David, who was beaten repeatedly in a 31-27 loss to Houston two weeks ago. “One thing I kind of live by is before there’s a resurrection, there’s a crucifixion, so I just had to go out there and make plays.

“I think it was my time, I was due. I just kept playing hard and just tried to do what I do out there and have fun while I was out there. It’s a boost whenever you make plays, whether it’s in practice or a game.”

Moore, who has been battling Henderson and Terrance Copper for perhaps two roster spots, scored the Saints’ only touchdown on a 2-yard catch from backup quarterback Mark Brunell in the second period to give New Orleans a 10-0 lead after Gramatica drilled a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter.

The Dolphins, however, took the lead by halftime on a 1-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown and an 8-yard TD pass from rookie quarterback Chad Henne to tight end Sean Ryan.

In the second half, the Saints failed to score as Palko struggled mightily. He completed just 4 of 14 passes for 36 yards as the Saints gained just 47 total yards in the second half and 99 for the game.

Palko also was sacked four times for 36 yards in losses and he lost a fumble as he was sacked with 3:28 to play in the game, allowing the Dolphins to run out the clock. Palko, who spent most of last season on the Saints’ practice squad, had a 39.6 passer rating.

“Without looking at the tape, in my mind it appeared to be poor,” coach Sean Payton said of Palko’s performance. “But you have to be given a chance. You’d like to see some things done better, but on some plays he just didn’t have a chance.