The Miami Dolphins clawed their way back from a 17-point halftime deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to win 20-17 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
On the Dolphins first drive of the second half, quarterback Jay Cutler came out slinging. He led Miami on a 75-yard drive. On a third-and-7 from the Atlanta 11-yard line, Cutler threw a bullet to wide receiver Kenny Stills in the back of the end zone to cut the deficit to 17-7 with 6:17 remaining in the third quarter.
The Dolphins were the beneficiaries of a couple bad Falcons penalties to extend their next drive. An incomplete third-down attempt and an interception were overturned by a pass interference call and a roughing the passer penalty. Later in the drive, Cutler hooked up with Jarvis Landry for a seven-yard strike late in the third quarter to bring the score to 17-14.
Atlanta helped Miami once again on the ensuing possession. During the Falcons’ punt attempt, long-snapper Josh Harris hit Terron Ward while hiking the ball to punter Matt Bosher. The Falcons recovered, but the Dolphins were set up at the Atlanta 48. Miami kicker Cody Parkey hit a 49-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 8:34 remaining in the game.
The Dolphins took the lead with 2:30 left to play on a 38-yard field goal by Parkey. Running back Jay Ajayi had back-to-back rushes of 18 yards to move the Dolphins into Falcons territory. Ajayi rushed for 130 yards -- the most rushing yards given up by the Falcons defense this season.
Miami sealed the victory in the final minute as cornerback Cordrea Tankersley tipped a Matt Ryan pass intended for Austin Hooper and the football fell into the arms of safety Reshad Jones.
About the Author
