Falcons-Dolphins Recap and Analysis

John Abraham after making a INT in the 1st quarter

The Atlanta Falcons opened up one of their most anticipated seasons in franchise history with their first preseason game at the Georgia Dome against the Miami Dolphins. The Falcons starting unit impressed us all by starting out with a 17-0 lead with a two yard rushing touchdown to Michael Turner and a 21-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Harry Douglas. Also, the Falcons starting defensive unit held the starting Miami Dolphins offense to six total yards and forced two interceptions from John Abraham and Brent Grimes. After the 1st quarter, the Falcons starters rested for the remainder of the game and in the second quarter, Chad Henne and the Dolphins starting unit lead the Dolphins back against the Falcons second team defense with a 44-yard pass to Brian Hartline to cut the lead to 17-7.  After the Dolphins went three and out, the Falcons offense got the ball with less than a minute left before halftime; however, the drive was cut short after Wilson fumbled the football and the Dolphins took over and scored on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Matt Moore to cut the lead to 17-14 at halftime. In the 3rd quarter, the Dolphins opened the game with the ball and their drive was cut short after a Rafael Bush interception. On the next Falcons drive, the second team offense lead by John Parker Wilson moved into field goal range and settled for a Matt Bryant field goal to extend the lead to 20-14. On the next Dolphins possession, Miami drove down the field and Matt Moore connected on his second touchdown of the night to Edmund Gates to put the Miami Dolphins up for the first time in the game 21-20. Early in the fourth quarter, after the Falcons went three and out, the Dolphins punt returner Phillip Livas scored a 75-yard touchdown to extend Miami's lead to 28-20. After the Falcons defense contained the Dolphins and a spark from Dominique Franks in the special teams unit, the Falcons settled for another Matt Bryant field goal to cut the deficit down to 5 points. Atlanta's defense would respond again by stopping the Dolphins offense, and after another big return from Franks, the Falcons moved deep into Miami territory; however, backup quarterback Adam Froman threw a game-ending interception and the Falcons lost 28-23. In this competitive game, there were some Falcons players who impressed the coaching staff and the fans.

1. Julio Jones

Jones making a reception in the 1st quarter

After receiving a lot of criticism throughout the summer for the selection of the rookie wide receiver from Alabama, Jones impressed the fans in the first quarter of the game. Matt Ryan threw a 21-yard completion to Jones to keep one of the touchdown drives going that the Falcons scored in the first half. Also, Julio Jones turned a critical 3rd down and 3 play into an explosive 21-yard reception to extend the offensive drive for Atlanta early in the quarter. Julio Jones also made a 12-yard run on a reverse play to place the Falcons into position to score one of their two touchdowns in the game. Jones showed the Falcons fans and the coaches that he will provide an explosive spark to this offense and he will open up many opportunities for himself throughout the season. Also, Julio Jones will definitely take the double-teams away from Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. After his performance last night, Falcons fans can expect to see his name in many Atlanta highlights this season and he will become an immediate impact to the Falcons offense.

2. Harry Douglas

Harry Douglas touchdown reception

After a mediocre 2010 season, the fourth year receiver knew that his expectations were very high and the Falcons needed him to emerge as a playmaker this season. Last night, Douglas showed the Falcons fans that he could put together his best campaign as a Falcons receiver this season. Douglas caught three passes for 47 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan with two Dolphins defenders surrounding him. Harry Douglas will provide a spark for our offense in the slot and he is showing that his recovery from the injury suffered in the 2009 season have successfully ended. Expect Harry Douglas to have a breakout season and give the new Falcons offense an explosive threat down the field and in close-game situations. 

3. Dominique Franks

Dominique Franks punt return

In my previous blog, I mentioned that Franks will be a surprise to the Falcons defense this season; however, as of last night, he could become a threat for our special teams unit throughout the regular season. In the fourth quarter, Dominique Franks had two explosive punt returns and placed Atlanta into a position to have a chance to comeback and win their game. Frank's first punt return was a 44-yard play that shocked the Falcons fans and the coaching staff and also placed the offense in position to make a field goal. With less than two minutes remaining, Franks exploded with another major punt return of 38 yards to place Atlanta into scoring position; however, the Falcons could not capitalize on the final possession. Franks, who is entering his second season as a Falcon, barely played in the 2010 season; But, in training camp have emerged as one of the impressive young players on the Falcons. Coach Mike Smith also credited Franks for his maturity level and expects big things out of the second year cornerback from Oklahoma. On defense, Franks also made two tackles and played great coverage and is the front runner to win the third cornerback position on the Falcons defense when the season begins.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Brent Grimes INT in the 1st quarter

Atlanta's offense will be one of the best in the NFL this season because the Falcons will continue their physical and grind-the-clock style with Michael Turner; however, with Julio Jones and Harry Douglas providing a spark at wide receiver, expect the Falcons to show an explosive passing offense and this young offense will be unpredictable to our opponents because Atlanta can attack your defense with anyone this upcoming season. The Falcons starting defense looked great and Brent Grimes will again provide a huge spark at cornerback for our team and expect many teams to think before they attack this guy because he can make any play at any time of the game. The second unit for the Falcons looked good throughout the defensive line and linebackers; however, the secondary will remain a concern for the defense. Chris Owens, the 3rd year cornerback, must improve his coverage as he was the victim in both touchdown passes in the second quarter from the Dolphins backup unit. Finally, with a surprise spark on special teams from Dominique Franks, a battle between Eric Weems and Dominique Franks as the punt returner could emerge before preseason ends. The Falcons play the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 19th at 8:00 P.M. on FOX. Until next time, FALCONS RISE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!