NFL preseason games don’t count. That is something coaches, players and fans realize when the game are played during the month of August.
But for the Falcons, who have lost seven consecutive preseason games, they wanted to get a win against the Miami Dolphins on Friday night. They were able to do just that as Matt Ryan propelled the Birds to a 23-6 win.
Ryan, who played into the third quarter, had another strong outing, completing 18 of his 26 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown. The Ryan touchdown pass came on the team’s second possession in the third quarter when Ryan led the Falcons offense on a 10-play, 66-yard drive and hit Roddy White for a 20-yard touchdown pass.
Ryan was also able to find Julio Jones all game long as he had a game-high 90 yards on four receptions including a 49-yard pass from Ryan when the Falcons were backed up in its own territory in the second quarter.
It three preseason games, Ryan has completed 45 of 60 passes for 549 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for a QB rating of 110. Jones is also having a productive preseason, catching 13 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown.
The defense was strong for the Falcons, especially the first-team who held the Dolphins to three points in over a half of work. Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill was held to 112 yards on 11 of 27 passing with one interception and a QB rating of 37.9.
The Tannehill interception was made by Thomas DeCoud in the first quarter which set up a Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal to give the Falcons the 3-0 lead.
The defensive line was able to generate pressure on Tannehill as John Abraham and Lawrence Sidbury each notched sacks. The Sidbury sack caused Tannehill to fumble and was recovered by Cliff Matthews.
The reserves for the Falcons also played well. Quarterback Dominique Davis, who is fighting for the No. 3 spot, completed 2 of 3 pass attempts for 53 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown pass to Tim Toone. Davis has shined during the preseason, completing 19 of 32 passes for 227 yards two touchdowns, one interception and a QB rating of 88.9.
The Falcons are back at Flowery Branch and will prepare for their final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. Before that, the Falcons will have to make some cuts as they have to trim their roster from 90 players to 75 by 4 p.m. Monday.
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