Dolphins' Jason Allen wins starting job

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) - Former first-round pick Jason Allen has won a starting job at cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, replacing second-year pro Sean Smith.

Coach Tony Sparano confirmed the surprising shake-up Monday as his team began its final week of preparation for Sunday's opener at Buffalo.

Since being taken with the 16th pick in the 2006 draft, Allen has been shuffled between cornerback and safety and consigned mostly to a role on special teams. He started only one game last year and two in 2008.

Smith, a second-round pick last season, started all 16 games as a rookie but made no interceptions. Sparano said the lineup change had more to do with Allen playing well than with Smith struggling.