Dolphins Defeat Falcons 20-13 in Preseason
- The Miami Dolphins secured a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game.
- Notably absent were key players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill.
- The game allowed other players to showcase their talents ahead of the regular season.
In their preseason opener, the Atlanta Falcons suffered a narrow 20-13 defeat against the Miami Dolphins on Friday night. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall after a standout career at Washington, completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. Penix led the Falcons on two scoring drives, resulting in a 39-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo and a 1-yard touchdown run by Carlos Washington, showcasing his potential as a starting quarterback. The Dolphins, who recently secured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a four-year contract extension, took control of the game in the second quarter. Jason Sanders contributed significantly with field goals of 58 and 47 yards, while Jaylen Wright added a 6-yard touchdown run following a fumble recovery by linebacker Isaiah Mack. The Dolphins scored 14 consecutive points, establishing a lead they would not relinquish. Injuries marred the Falcons' performance, with safety DeMarcco Hellams carted off the field due to a left leg injury early in the game. Linebackers Bralen Trice and Grayson Murphy also faced injuries, with Trice needing assistance to leave the field and Murphy not returning after a right leg issue. The status of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins remains uncertain as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury that sidelined him for the last nine games of the previous season. Looking ahead, the Falcons will face the Baltimore Ravens on August 17, while the Dolphins will host the Washington Commanders on the same day.