Final
Dolphins start slow, win preseason opener vs. Falcons
Aug 13, 2011 - 3:26 AM Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Dolphins fell behind in the first quarter after Chad Henne was dominated by Atlanta's first-team defense, but backup Matt Moore led Miami to a 28-23 come-from-behind victory.Moore finished 11-for-18 passing with 123 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Roberto Wallace hauled in three balls for 60 yards and a touchdown and Brian Hartline caught one pass -- a 44 yard touchdown.
Matt Ryan and the Falcons' first-team offense looked sharp, putting up 17 points in the first quarter. Ryan finished the game 6-for-10 through the air for 90 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Julio Jones impressed with two grabs for 43 yards and a 12-yard rush on an end-around.
After a three-and-out on its first drive, Atlanta found the end zone after Michael Turner pounded the ball in from the two-yard line. Turner rushed for 23 yards on the drive, including runs of 14 and seven. Ryan connected with Jones for 21 yards to put the ball on the Miami 14 before Jason Snelling ran for 12 yards to set up the Turner touchdown.
The Falcons then forced Miami to punt after three unsuccessful plays before Ryan orchestrated a 10-play, 83-yard touchdown drive, capping it with a 20- yard strike to wide receiver Harry Douglas.
Atlanta added three more after Bryant nailed a 27-yard field goal.
After struggling mightily against Atlanta's first-team defense, Henne was finally able to put Miami on the board after tossing a 44-yard touchdown to Hartline in the second quarter.
Miami was able to force a fumble inside the final minute before Moore hooked up with Wallace for a 28-yard TD to close out the first half, trimming the Dolphins' deficit to 17-14.
Atlanta stretched its lead to 20-14 after Bryant converted on a 24-yard field goal.
But the Dolphins were able to score two more touchdowns to take a 28-20 lead. Moore connected with Edmond Gates for a six-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the third quarter.
Miami then forced Atlanta to punt and made the special teams pay. Phillip Livas fielded the punt at the Miami 25 and proceeded to scamper 75 yards for the score.
Atlanta managed to put up a late field goal to cut the lead to 28-23, but were unable to find the end zone on its final possession.
- MIAMI: 28
ATLANTA: 23
Final
Aug 12 10:42 PM - == Preseason == Atlanta Field Goal - 33-yarder by Matt Bryant.
Dolphins 28, Falcons 23 4th - 3:37Aug 12 10:28 PM - == Preseason == Miami Touchdown - 75-yard punt return by Phil Livas. (Dan Carpenter kick).
Dolphins 28, Falcons 20 4th - 10:25Aug 12 10:12 PM - MIAMI: 21
ATLANTA: 20
End of 3rd
Aug 12 9:53 PM - == Preseason == Atlanta Field Goal - 24-yarder by Matt Bryant.
Dolphins 14, Falcons 20 3rd - 6:54Aug 12 9:39 PM - MIAMI: 14
ATLANTA: 17
Halftime
Aug 12 9:08 PM - == Preseason == Miami Touchdown - 28-yard pass from Matt Moore to Roberto Wallace. (Dan Carp
Dolphins 14, Falcons 17 2nd - 0:08Aug 12 9:08 PM - == Preseason == Miami Touchdown - 44-yard pass from Chad Henne to Brian Hartline. (Dan Carpe
Dolphins 7, Falcons 17 2nd - 13:04Aug 12 8:25 PM - MIAMI: 0
ATLANTA: 17
End of 1st
Aug 12 8:19 PM - == Preseason == Atlanta Field Goal - 27-yarder by Matt Bryant.
Dolphins 0, Falcons 17 1st - 1:17Aug 12 8:18 PM - == Preseason == Atlanta Touchdown - 20-yard pass from Matt Ryan to Harry Douglas. (Matt Brya
Dolphins 0, Falcons 14 1st - 3:41Aug 12 8:06 PM - == Preseason == Atlanta Touchdown - 2-yard run by Michael Turner. (Matt Bryant kick).
Dolphins 0, Falcons 7 1st - 11:06Aug 12 7:50 PM - MIAMI: 0
ATLANTA: 0
1st Quarter - 15:00
Aug 12 7:39 PM
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