Before yesterday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars even began the Miami Dolphins knew they were going to be without two of their regulars – wide receiver Davone Bess and linebacker Koa Misi. What they didn’t know was how the backups were going to respond.

The answer was a positive one by the time the final whistle blew in a 24-3 victory, and not only for linebacker Jason Trusnik, who started in place of Misi, and the group of receivers that filled Bess’ role. Injuries during the game to running back Daniel Thomas, cornerback Nolan Carroll, tight end Charles Clay, safety Chris Clemons and right guard John Jerry forced more reserves into action.

Trusnik stood out on defense with three tackles (two solo) and some stellar coverage on Jaguars tight end Mercedes Lewis. His highlight came on a critical fourth-and-1 in the red zone from the Miami 15 when he came from the backside and tackled running back Montell Owens short of the first down. That marked the second of three times in the red zone the defense came up with a fourth-down stop.

“I was very pleased with Jason,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said ...