With two preseason games left, 34 Dolphins players remain in contention for about 25 roster spots on defense, with the possibility of one or two players added after other teams make cuts. Assessing the battles:

• Linebackers: A few borderline players are making decisions difficult for the Dolphins, including Quentin Moses, who applied strong pressure on the quarterback Saturday. Miami kept eight linebackers much of 2008, but a case could be made to keep nine.

One spot would be opened if Matt Roth is traded or opens the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Beyond locks Joey Porter, Jason Taylor, Akin Ayodele, Channing Crowder and improved Reggie Torbor, special teams ace Charlie Anderson is in good shape after two strong preseason games, and Cameron Wake has flashed enough pass rush to justify a roster spot (though the Dolphins want him to improve against the run and in pass coverage). If Roth is not on the active roster, Moses could slot in as the eighth linebacker, and Erik Walden perhaps as the ninth.

If Roth is in on the active roster, eight spots would be filled, meaning Miami likely would need to keep nine linebackers to make room for Moses or Walden. Walden excels on special teams, but Moses has outplayed him defensively.

Long shots: William Kershaw (around the ball a lot Saturday) and J.D. Folsom (undersized at 230, and a practice squad candidate).

• Defensive line: Miami had eight defensive linemen last year, but keeping seven would free up space for a ninth linebacker. Beyond locks Jason Ferguson, Kendall Langford, Randy Starks and Phillip Merling, Paul Soliai -- who had good penetration at times Saturday -- is in line to make the team. Based on a review of the tape for the first two preseason games, Tony McDaniel (strong push on several running plays) and Lionel Dotson (a sack, a few other pressures) are best positioned for the sixth and seventh spots. Dotson said coaches ``told me I did good against the run,'' which has been a question.

Still competing: undrafted rookies Ryan Baker and Louis Ellis and incumbent Rod Wright (good pressure on one passing play Saturday but otherwise didn't stand out). Miami likely will scan the waiver wire it if believes it can upgrade depth.

• Defensive backs: The Dolphins, who kept five cornerbacks last year, have three locks (Will Allen, Vontae Davis, Sean Smith) and one very likely (top nickelback Nate Jones, who struggled at times Saturday). Jason Allen has the edge over Joey Thomas (who made a few mistakes Saturday) for the fifth spot, with Will Billingsley a long shot. But if Allen struggles, the Dolphins would look for a cornerback on the waiver wire.

Though four safeties are set (starters Yeremiah Bell and Gibril Wilson and backups Tyrone Culver and Chris Clemons), all were beaten in coverage Saturday, and that has become a concern internally. Courtney Bryan, pushing for a roster spot as a fifth safety, has made several good plays (defensively and on special teams).

CHATTER

• Coach Tony Sparano said Tuesday he is uncertain who will start at receiver opposite Ted Ginn Jr. this season. Brian Hartline, Greg Camarillo and Davone Bess are the strongest candidates. The Dolphins love the rookie Hartline, who continues to work with the first team offense. ``He is a brilliant kid,'' Sparano said.

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