By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Atlanta won the toss and deferred, giving the Dolphins the first offensive series. Mixing the run and pass proved effective early; however, after completing 3 passes for 36 yards, starting quarterback Mike White’s pass was intercepted by Atlanta. The first quarter ended in a scoreless tie. The time of possession was relatively equal, the Dolphins possessing the ball for 7:23 and the Falcons for 7:37.
The Dolphins must protect the quarterback more effectively as winning teams normally do. Offensive line has been a concern for awhile now.
Atlanta unleashed an aggressive running attack in second quarter leading to a TD and 7-0 advantage.
Miami responded with its own effective running game, utilizing Erik Ezukanma, Myles Gaskins and Devon Achane, driving the ball to the 2 yard line. On fourth and 2, Miami opted for short pass to Braxton Berrios which fell incomplete, thus turning ball over to Falcons.
With 8:04 remaining in second quarter, Atlanta ran successfully while mixing in the play action pass. The Dolphins defense, after two sacks, forced the Falcons to punt, giving the ball to Miami on their 19 after a holding penalty. Miami regained possession with 5:14 remaining and mounted another excellent drive mixing the run with short passes.
After the two-minute warning, Miami had a 1-10, ball on the Atlanta 13 yard line. After 3 running plays on carries by Devon Achane that gained 8 yards, a fourth down pass again fell incomplete leaving the Dolphins scoreless at halftime, trailing 7-0. The Dolphins actually controlled the ball with a time of possession of 9:28 to Atlanta’s 5:32. The Dolphins’ inefficiency on fourth down in red zone was their Achilles Heel.
The Dolphins kicked off to the Falcons to start the third quarter. The Dolphins defense, playing well, forced the Falcons to punt from their own 32.
Skyler Thompson started at quarterback in third quarter. After a loss of one yard on a run by Achane, Thompson dropped back to pass on second and was sacked for a 9 yard loss. A delay of game penalty perhaps foreshadowed the Dolphins’ futility in second half. They went from first and 10 to fourth and 25 and were forced to punt. During the punt which netted 50 yards, Atlanta was flagged for holding so they actually took over on their on 30 yard line. With 10:57 remaining in third quarter, Atlanta took possession and on fourth and one at their own 39 yard line, they gambled, running for 5 yards and a first down. Atlanta put together an excellent drive utilizing the run and pass but couldn’t convert on a fourth and 5, turning the ball over to Dolphins with 3:36 remaining in third quarter. The Dolphins preceded to put together a really good drive highlighted by Skyler Thompson pass plays to WR Elijah Higgins combined with effective running by Devon. Achane. By the end of the third quarter, Miami was in great shape, second and 2, ball on the Atlanta 32 yard line. Atlanta won the third quarter time of possession battle 8:58 to 6:02.
The fourth quarter would prove disastrous for the Phins. A Skyler Thompson sack and interception return ball placed Falcons on their own 18, first and 10. Defensively, the Phins were playing well, forcing Atlanta to punt on the first drive in fourth quarter. With 12:34 to go, Miami had a first and 10 on the 45 yard line. After two Skyler Thompson passes fell incomplete, Miami settled for a Jason Sanders 59 yard field goal with 9:34 left in fourth quarter. The Dolphins held Atlanta again, forcing a punt. Miami got the ball back with 7:09 left in game.
The Dolphins put together a solid though inconsistent drive which ended in punt after two sacks of Thompson curtesy of the ferocious Atlanta pass rush. Forced to punt from deep in their territory, Atlanta returned the punt for a 79 yard touchdown, then sealed the deal with a pass interception for an another touchdown, making the final score 20-3 Falcons. So the game really was decided on two huge plays, one by the Falcons’ special team and an interception by an opportunistic defense. The time of possession again favored the Phins, 9:05 to 5:55.
I predict a great season for a team that has quit in it. We just need to protect the quarterback combined with a consistent run game and the Dolphins can beat and anybody in the league.
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