by Hamlet Pericles

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: September 19, 2009

The Miami Dolphins start off the 2009-10 NFL season similar to last year, with a lost. Miami entered Georgia Dome Sunday afternoon and nearly left without putting any points on the scoreboard (due to countless mistakes and turnovers). In regard to latter, it started early and it was not pretty.

Falcons' offense took the field first and moved the ball down the field. Chances to put points on the scoreboard were there, but QB Matt Ryan could not connect with his receivers due to his inaccurate throws. The offense, however, positioned kicker Jason Elam for a 42-yard field goal which he missed.

Unlike the Falcons, the Dolphins' opening drive went nowhere and ended quickly. Ronnie Brown ran the ball twice for a few yards, which set up a 3rd-and-5. On this play, QB Chad Pennington, under pressure, failed to get rid of the ball and remained in the pocket too long, which resulted in a sack by DE Kroy Biermann who simultaneously caused a fumble that Falcons recovered.

Both offenses couldn't put any points on the scoreboard the first quarter, but the Falcons were clearly the aggressors and it showed in the second quarter.

Falcons started the second quarter with the ball and slowly took it down field, which resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to fullback Ovie Mughelli. The drive took more than six minutes off the clock.

With Elam's extra point kick, the Falcons led 7-to-0.

The Dolphins lined up on offense and showed some signs of life, but it was fruitless as the offense continued to struggle. Late in the second quarter, Dolphins put together a decent drive (reaching Atlanta's 16-yard line). This drive could have resulted in a touchdown or field goal, but the offense found a way to screw it up again via a turnover - a turnover that was caused by a violent hit LB Mike Peterson delivered to TE Anthony Fasano at the 10-yard line. The ball flew into the air and into the hands of Falcons' DB Brian Williams, who took the ball in the opposite direction for more than 50 yards.

Falcons lined up for a 36-yard field goal after the offense failed on third down. Elam connected, giving the Falcons a 10-to-0 lead at the half.

The second half for the Dolphins was no better, due to an unproductive offense. They received the ball first and did nothing, running three unimpressive plays which led to a punt. Falcons also went three and out in their opening drive, but their defensive players found many ways to dominate and stop the Dolphins.

With two minutes left in the third quarter,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>