Dolphins 28, Falcons 23
The Dolphins opened up the preseason with a 28-23 win over the Falcons and, like most preseason games, the story was much more about individual efforts and not the final score–though it’s always nice to pick up a win.
On offense, Chad Henne threw two interceptions, the first of which popped out of Anthony Fasano’s hands, but also tossed a 44-yard touchdown to Brian Hartline. The Dolphins trailed 17-0 after a quarter, but the Henne-to-Hartline strike and a 28-yard TD pass from Matt Moore to Roberto Wallace closed the gap.
In the second half, Moore would also find Clyde Gates for a six-yard touchdown pass that gave Miami a 21-20 lead and undrafted rookie Phillip Livas would return a punt 75 yards for what was the eventual game-winning score.
Defensively, rookie Jimmy Wilson stood out in the secondary and in the backfield. The defensive back batted away a couple of passes and also forced a fumble on quarterback John Parker Wilson that immediately preceded the Wallace touchdown. Cornerback Benny Sapp also made back-to-back plays, knocking a ball away and coming up with an interception.
As for the rookies, Mike Pouncey started and played with the first team, while second rounder Daniel Thomas was held to just five yards on four carries. Charles Clay did not catch a pass, but Gates finished the night with two catches for 23 yards.
Meanwhile, Tony Sparano held Reggie Bush, Jason Taylor and Brandon Marshall out for precautionary reasons while Will Allen, Jake Long, and Garrett Chisolm missed the game because of in jury.
Up next: the preseason home opener against Carolina on Friday night at Sun Life Stadium.
NFL Network Video Highlights: