A quarter-by-quarter look at the Dolphins’ 13-9 victory over the Falcons on Saturday night at Sun Life Stadium.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: On fourth-and-20 from Miami's 42, the Dolphins' John Denney botched the snap. Punter Matt Darr picked up the ball and was able to make it back to the line of scrimmage for no gain. The Falcons converted the good field position into a 43-yard field goal by Matt Bryant.
Turning point: Despite the much-anticipated debut of rookie running back Tevin Coleman, the Falcons still couldn't run the ball. Coleman's first career carry was for minus-2 yards. He had another rush for 6 yards and another for minus-5. He finished with 2 yards on four carries.
The takeaway: With no rushing attack, the Falcons were forced to punt twice and could turn good field position only into a field goal.
Score: Falcons 3, Dolphins 0
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: The biggest play actually happened at the end of the first quarter when Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill connected with wide receiver Jarvis Landry over the middle. Free safety Ricardo Allen was turned around and missed the tackle. Landry broke loose for a 46-yard gain.
Turning point: Two offseason pick-ups, defensive end Adrian Clayborn and linebacker O'Brien Schofield, turned in big plays. Clayborn dropped backup quarterback Matt Moore for a 9-yard loss with under two minutes to play. But the Dolphins recovered and moved to the Falcons' 38 and were threatening when Schofield sacked Moore and forced a fumble. Clayborn recovered. Quarterback T.J. Yates quickly drove the Falcons into field-goal range.
The takeaway: The Falcons continued to show that the pass rush will be much improved.
Halftime score: Dolphins 7, Falcons 6
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: On fourth down from the Miami 1, Yates was sacked for a loss of 11 yards by Dolphins linebacker Mike Hull.
Turning point: The Falcons put together two long drives in the third quarterback, but didn't get any points to show for their domination of the clock. Yates directed a nine-play drive that stalled at Miami's 49. After a three-and-out by Miami, Yates engineered a 12-play drive that was thwarted by Hall.
The takeaway: With Rex Grossman lurking on the sidelines, Yates showed that he could move the offense.
Score: Dolphins 7, Falcons 6
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Backup linebacker Joplo Bartu intercepted a pass and returned the ball 41 yards with 14:38 left in the fourth quarter. The Falcons couldn't cash in, but got another 43-yard field goal from Bryant to make the score 9-7 with 13:11 left in the game.
Turning point: The Falcons had a chance to take the lead, but fumbled a snap and fumbled again with 1:21 left in the game. Miami defensive tackle Deandre Coleman recovered. The Dolphins converted the turnover into a field goal.
The takeaway: The Falcons' dress rehearsal didn't go so well.
Score: Dolphins 13, Falcons 9
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