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The Miami Dolphins ended their 2011 pre-season on a high note defeating the Dallas Cowboys 17-3 on Thursday night. It was a game that backups played because both teams decided not to risk injuries to their main players. The Cowboys designated 31 of their 80 players as inactive, while the Dolphins had 21 inactive players. Three starters were active for each team.

Larry Johnson scored on a 22 yard TD run and Matt Moore threw for a TD as well. At the end of the long TD drive, it was Reggie Bush, Brandon Marshall and Chad Henne who were congratulating the players. Many of the starters were fighting for roster places.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano decided to rest many of his players after holding two physical practices this week. Instead, he used the game to assess players battling for roster spots.

Miami scored first courtesy of a 22 yard TD run by Larry Johnson. Dallas replied in the second with a field goal but didn't score again. The Dolphins added another TD and a field goal to win 17-3.

Dallas (2-2) plays its regular-season opener Sept. 11 against the Jets.

"We're fired up and ready to go," Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant said after taking the night off.

Miami (3-1) opens Sept. 12 against New England. Like Bryant, Sparano is sounding confident.

"There's a different buzz on this team right now," the coach said. "There's a good vibe, which is why I think this team is going to win."