The Atlanta Falcons closed preseason with a 17-12 road win over the Miami Dolphins, as Cooper Rush threw a touchdown and James Pearce Jr. recorded two sacks.
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Miami Dolphins 17-12 on August 28, closing out their preseason with a 2-1 record while the Dolphins fell to 0-3. The Falcons leaned on a balanced attack and a disruptive defense, while Miami managed only four field goals despite moving the ball at times.
Falcons Find End Zone Twice
Atlanta’s offense capitalized on short fields and efficient drives. Quarterback Cooper Rush completed 13 of 18 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, connecting with tight end Jack Velling on a 3-yard scoring strike. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. added a 3-yard touchdown run, and kicker Nick Folk converted three field goals (34, 26, and 37 yards) plus an extra point.
Wide receiver Kyle Pitts Sr. led the Falcons in receiving with three catches for 59 yards, providing a reliable target in the passing game. The ground attack was modest, with Robinson gaining 14 yards on five carries, but the team’s efficiency in the red zone proved decisive.
Dolphins Settle for Field Goals
Miami’s offense struggled to reach the end zone, settling for four Riley Patterson field goals from 46, 45, 26, and 37 yards. Quarterback Mark Gronowski completed 4 of 8 passes for 97 yards, while running back Carlos Washington Jr. paced the ground game with 34 yards on 13 carries. Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. hauled in two passes for 49 yards, showing a downfield threat.
The Dolphins’ defense kept the game close, with linebacker Tyrel Dodson recording six tackles and defensive tackle Matthew Butler adding half a sack. However, the unit could not force turnovers or stall Atlanta’s scoring drives consistently.
Defensive Pressure Tells the Story
Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. was a constant presence in Miami’s backfield, recording two sacks. His performance highlighted Atlanta’s pass rush, which disrupted Miami’s rhythm throughout the night. Safety Jammie Robinson tied for the team lead with six tackles, helping contain the Dolphins’ ground game.
Miami’s defense held firm on several drives but could not overcome the Falcons’ ability to convert scoring opportunities into touchdowns.
Turning Point: Late Field Goal Seals It
The game’s decisive stretch came in the fourth quarter when Nick Folk connected on his third field goal from 37 yards, extending Atlanta’s lead to 17-12. Miami had a chance to respond, but the Falcons’ defense forced a stop, preserving the victory.
Earlier, a 3-yard touchdown pass from Cooper Rush to Jack Velling in the second quarter gave Atlanta a lead it never surrendered, though Miami kept the margin within one score until the final minutes.
What It Means for Both Teams
For Atlanta, the win caps a strong preseason and builds momentum heading into roster cuts. The quarterback competition between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. remains unresolved, with Penix listed as questionable. Tagovailoa led a touchdown drive but also lost a fumble, leaving the Week 1 starter unclear. The Falcons also have several key players on the injury report, including defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and safety Ronnie Harrison Jr., both questionable.
Miami finishes preseason winless, but the focus shifts to final roster decisions. The Dolphins traded for running back Jarquez Hunter and will look to solidify their depth. Several players are nursing injuries, including linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, while running back Trey Sermon and linebacker Jalon Walker are on injured reserve.
- Cooper Rush: 13/18, 106 yards, 1 TD
- James Pearce Jr.: 2 sacks
- Riley Patterson: 4 field goals
- Kyle Pitts Sr.: 3 catches, 59 yards
- Tyrel Dodson: 6 tackles
Up Next
Both teams now turn their attention to the regular season. Atlanta will finalize its roster and address quarterback questions, while Miami looks to build from a winless preseason. The injury reports will be key to monitor as Week 1 approaches.
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