Dolphins lose to the Falcons 20-17 to finish preseason

By Alex Guzman  |   Friday, September 02, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins first team was outscored 3-0 in the first quarter on the way to losing this game to the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 20-17. The defense improved their play for the most part, but the offense - in particular, the first 2 quarterbacks - was flat. That last fact frustrated head coach Nick Saban, who left the post-game press conference quickly after tersely discussing their play.

Gus Frerotte completed 2 of 3 passes for 10 yards in 3 drives. AJ Feeley struggled in the second quarter, going 4-17 for 56 yards with an interception that was returned for a 51 yd touchdown. At least Sage Rosenfels was able to do something in the second half, leading the team on long drives on his way to a 17-25 night with 217 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 INTs. Both TDs were thrown with nice touch on the perfectly-placed passes.

The running backs had a decent showing as Ronnie Brown saw extensive action in the first half. Ricky Williams continued his consistent running but now must begin serving his 4 game suspension. Surprisingly, Travis Minor got to carry the ball before Sammy Morris or Lamar Gordon.

Among the receivers, Derrius Thompson stood out with 5 catches for 98 yards and 1 TD. TE Alex Holmes had an up and down second half. He was able to snatch 5 passes for 56 yards, but fumbled or dropped several others. David Boston left the game early in the second quarter with a sprained neck.

Though the Falcons were able to muster 196 rushing yards, the Dolphins only allowed 137 passing yds in a game that saw a better effort from their young defensive linemen - especially Manny Wright. Unfortunately, David Bowens and rookie Kevin Vickerson left the game with knee injuries. Vickerson's was particularly tragic; A dirty Falcons player threw a block at his knee from behind away from the action. Not surprisingly, the Falcons employ Alex Gibbs - the offensive line guru notorius for the chop blocks used by the Denver Broncos. LB Channing Crowder had another solid performance starting in the middle for the injured Zach Thomas.

Now it's on to the first regular season game of the season when the Dolphins host the Broncos at 1 pm ET on Sunday, September 11.
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About Alex Guzman

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