MIAMI - As the Dolphins prepared to practice Thursday, quarterbacks A.J. Feeley and Sage Rosenfels sat in the locker room and studied a laptop showing the projected path of Hurricane Ivan.
Like the rest of Florida, the Dolphins are anxious about the latest storm.
With the forecast ominous, Miami's season opener against the Titans was switched to Saturday from Sunday. Kickoff still will be at 1 p.m.
"Our first question was how we could make this safe for everyone," Dolphins president Eddie Jones said. "Our first concern is for families of our players and staff and, of course, being in Miami, for our fans."
Ivan could reach southern Florida as soon as Sunday, forecasters said.
The Dolphins and Titans discussed moving the sold-out game to other sites, including Nashville, but decided to change the date instead.
Tennessee plans to fly to South Florida this afternoon. Coach Jeff Fisher said his staff anticipated a possible scheduling change several days ago.
"We're going to go down 24 hours early and beat the storm," he said. "Logistically everything works out."
The last time Miami's schedule was affected by a hurricane was in 1992, when devastation caused by Andrew forced the opener against New England to be moved to a bye week.
Also, running back Lamar Gordon joined the team and likely will be on the field for the opener. The Dolphins acquired him from St. Louis on Wednesday in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2005.
Pats keep streak alive
FOXBORO, Mass. - Tom Brady was uncannily accurate as the Patriots moved within three games of the record for consecutive victories.
But New England's 27-24 win over Indianapolis on Thursday night would not have happened if its defense hadn't awakened after being shredded for 255 yards by Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James before halftime.
Brady threw for 335 yards and three touchdowns - one each to Deion Branch, David Patten and Daniel Graham. Running back Corey Dillon had 16 carries for 86 yards.
But the defense bailed out the Patriots after a horrible first half. The 446 yards allowed were more than they gave up in any game last season.
Three times they stopped the Colts after turnovers, the second after Branch fumbled a punt and Asante Samuel was called for pass interference to put the ball at the 1. Eugene Wilson knocked the ball loose from James, and rookie Vince Wilfork recovered with 3 minutes, 43 seconds left to keep Indianapolis from scoring.
Then Willie McGinest sacked Manning with the Colts at the Patriots 18, forcing Mike Vanderjagt to try a 48-yard field goal. Vanderjagt, who had made 42 in a row, kicked it wide right with 24 seconds left.
CHARGERS: Receiver Tim Dwight missed his second straight practice (hamstring injury) and probably will miss the season opener at Houston.
JETS: Quincy Carter will be the No.2 quarterback for the opener against the Bengals, not Brooks Bollinger. Carter has started all 31 games he has played and led the Cowboys to a 10-6 record and playoff berth last season.
"I make the decision, and my decision is Quincy," coach Herman Edwards said. "What sealed it for me was, why would you bring a guy in here to be the third quarterback? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me."
RAMS: Offensive tackle Orlando Pace broke a three-day silence on his contract holdout, saying a lighter playing weight would help him get back into playing shape in time for Sunday's opener.
Earlier this week Pace agreed to a one-year, $7.02-million contract as the team's franchise player, and he practiced for the first time Wednesday. He reported at 325 pounds, almost 20 pounds below last year, and thinks that will offset the fact he's got only four practices to get ready.
During the offseason, Pace largely eliminated fried foods from his diet and cut back on soft drinks.
After two workouts, the Rams have been pleased with Pace's conditioning.
"It looks like he's been here all camp, honest to goodness he does," coach Mike Martz said. "No mental errors and he's quick, he's physical.
"At this time last year he was very sluggish and the conditioning was a factor for him."
Pace said a holdout was his only option when the Rams designated him as their franchise player in consecutive seasons. Now that he has signed, the Rams and Pace's agents, the Poston brothers, can negotiate a long-term deal.
Also, safety Justin Lucas re-signed, four days after being released. Safety Zack Bronson (left ankle) was placed on injured reserve. Running back Stephen Trejo signed, and tight end Mike Brake was released.
