DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins are glad next week's games don't count. They have to play twice in four days because the NFL wants them on national television.

"They do crazy things in this league,'' safety Brock Marion said. "Two games in four days is a prime example.''

	Taylor

	“	I feel like a baseball team. Unfortunately we can't stand out in the outfield and rest. ”
		— Jason Taylor of the Dolphins

The Dolphins open their exhibition season Monday at Tampa Bay. On Thursday, they play the New Orleans Saints in Miami.

"I feel like a baseball team,'' defensive end Jason Taylor said. "Unfortunately we can't stand out in the outfield and rest.''

The Dolphins were left with the peculiar schedule when their game at Tampa was pushed back three days to accommodate ESPN. It will be the final game of the first full weekend of the NFL preseason.

Miami was locked into Thursday for its second game because that's the only night Pro Player Stadium is available next week. The Florida Marlins have home games on the other dates.

"It makes no sense,'' coach Dave Wannstedt said. "Preseason is supposed to be for evaluating, and how do you evaluate? You almost have to lump them together, because you're not going to get much corrected or much work done between them.''

In fact, the Dolphins will go five days without practicing in pads. They'll work out Saturday and Sunday against the Buccaneers in Orlando. Players are off Tuesday and Friday, and Wednesday's practice will be a brief walk-through.

"You get days off, and that's nice,'' Taylor said. "You've got to try to find a positive.''

Wannstedt said he hasn't decided how to divide playing time in the two games, but they'll help determine who starts the season opener Sept. 8 against Detroit. Decisions must be made at four positions on offense and one on defense: