Preseason Opponents Set

The Dolphins have announced their 2009 preseason opponents, and they include the usual suspects -- Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and New Orleans. But two things stand out from this year's slate, including a national television appearance in prime time.

That will come on Thursday, Aug. 27 when the Dolphins face the Tampa Bay Bucs at Raymond James Stadium in a game televised on FOX at 8 p.m.

Another change from last year is one of the opponents, with Carolina replacing Kansas City on the schedule. The Dolphins will host the Panthers on the weekend of Aug. 20-23.

The preseason will begin on the weekend of Aug. 14-18 with a home game against Jacksonville and wrap up at New Orleans either Thursday, Sept. 3 or Friday, Sept. 4.

It will be the third consecutive year the Dolphins close out the preseason with a game at New Orleans.

It's also going to be the 10th consecutive year the Dolphins face Tampa Bay in the preseason.

The Dolphins went 3-1 in the preseason last year, opening with a loss against Tampa Bay before beating Jacksonville, Kansas City and New Orleans.