MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Aug. 11 (UPI) — The Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons clashed in an unimpressive preseason game in Miami Gardens, Fla., where a long punt return and an interception provided rare scoring opportunities amidst a game filled with mistakes.
The absence of most projected starters contributed to the sloppy gameplay and lack of scoring chances.
However, in the fourth quarter, the Falcons took advantage of two Dolphins blunders, resulting in two non-offensive touchdowns, leading to a 19-3 victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
The highlight of the night came when Falcons’ defensive back, Dee Alford, returned a punt for 79 yards with 2:53 remaining. Dolphins punter Jake Bailey launched the ball 41 yards on the play.
Alford caught the kick at the 21-yard line. After eluding an initial defender, he sprinted to the left before breaking through several arm tackles and changing direction towards the right flank. With his speed, he reached the end zone.
On the second play of the subsequent drive, Falcons defensive back Breon Borders intercepted Dolphins backup quarterback Skylar Thompson at the Dolphins 26-yard line. Borders then ran untouched to score a defensive touchdown.
The contest saw starters like Tua Tagovailoa, Desmond Ridder, Bijan Robinson, Tyreek Hill, and Kyle Pitts sitting out.
For the Dolphins, rookie cornerback Cam Smith, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and running back De’Von Achane, a third-round pick, made their preseason debuts.
Rookie defensive end Zach Harrison, a third-round pick, debuted for the Falcons.
“Preseason is always about prioritizing the process over results, but you can still use the results as a valuable teaching tool,” commented Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.
Early in the game, Dolphins backup quarterback Mike White led an 8-play drive to the Atlanta 9-yard line. Unfortunately, he was intercepted by Falcons defensive back DeMarcco Hellams, abruptly ending the possession.
The Falcons later embarked on an 8-play, 68-yard drive, ultimately resulting in a touchdown. Running back Godwin Igwebuike contributed to that drive with an 11-yard touchdown run.
The Dolphins managed to close the gap with Jason Sanders successfully completing a 49-yard field goal with 9:29 remaining.
However, the Falcons quickly responded with Alford’s remarkable punt return and Borders’ interception, securing the victory.
Skylar Thompson finished the game completing 10 of 16 passes for 104 yards but suffered two interceptions. Meanwhile, Mike White completed 9 of 14 passes for 85 yards and an interception.
In his Dolphins preseason debut, De’Von Achane recorded 66 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches. Myles Gaskin, another Dolphins running back, accumulated 77 yards from scrimmage on nine touches.
Falcons backup quarterback Logan Woodside completed 14 of 23 passes for 146 yards in the win. Godwin Igwebuike accumulated 70 yards and scored a touchdown on 13 carries for the Falcons.
“It was obviously challenging with the turnovers and finding a rhythm, but this is just preseason,” Thompson acknowledged. “It’s a learning experience, and perfection isn’t always attainable.”
The Dolphins will continue their preseason schedule with a game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 19 in Houston, while the Falcons will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 18 in Atlanta.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
