Miami Dolphins DE Phillip Merling one of few bright spots.

Byline: Harvey Fialkov

Sep. 15--DAVIE -- Miami Dolphins second-year defensive end Phillip Merling, who had four tackles and several quarterback pressures in Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, sported a shiner Monday after his helmet slipped down his face. "He was really active yesterday," Sparano said. "When this guy is in the football game he's becoming more and more consistent with the amount of plays he makes. . . . I told you guys when he plays those kind of plays -- it's not always the prettiest plays with Phil -- but his byline is always good. He made a lot of plays, got around the football a bunch, hit the quarterback two or three times and got a sack. I think …