MIAMI — Chad Owens' battle to earn a roster spot with the Jacksonville Jaguars got a little easier yesterday.

The former University of Hawai'i receiver/kick returner caught a 62-yard touchdown pass as the Jaguars defeated Miami, 31-26, in the exhibition opener for both teams.

Jacksonville trailed 13-10 midway through the third quarter when Owens almost single-handedly help the Jaguars take the lead for good.

After Ola Kimrin's 20-yard field goal put the Dolphins ahead, Owens fielded the ensuing kickoff a yard deep in the end zone and returned the ball 24 yards. A holding penalty moved the ball back to Jacksonville's 13.

Later, on third down from the 14, backup quarterback David Garrard hit Owens deep over the middle for 24 yards.

On the next play, Garrard escaped pressure in the backfield and hit a streaking Owens in stride for a touchdown.

Owens finished as the game's leading receiver with 86 yards on two catches. In addition to his 24-yard kickoff return, he also returned a punt 4 yards and didn't fumble, a problem that cost him a roster spot last season.

Garrard also connected with rookie Maurice Jones-Drew for a 55-yard score and starter Byron Leftwich hit Matt Jones with a 50-yard touchdown pass for Jacksonville.

"We have a lot of work to do on offense, but it was great to get that much work," said Leftwich, who was 6 of 12 for 100 yards.