Falcons @ Dolphins
Final Score: Dolphins 37, Falcons 17
Writer: Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)
The Falcons did not field many, if any, starters in this lopsided exhibition match. On the other hand, the Dolphins kept their starters in for most of the first half, which is reflected in the final score. Arthur Smith, the new Head Coach of the Falcons, is not showing his hand early as we still haven’t seen his offense at full strength. Unfortunately for us, that means there isn’t much fantasy-relevant material to write about them from this matchup. The Dolphins kept in interesting though, with their offense scoring five touchdowns on the day. There was a small Jaylen Waddle injury scare early on which caused him to leave the game, but he was able to return which is a great sign moving forward. The Dolphins dominated this one with a final score of 37-17, so most of this writeup will cover them. Let’s take a look at what we saw.
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
Feleipe Franks: 4/9, 46 yards, INT, 4 Sacks | 3 carries, 32 yards
AJ McCarron: 3/6, 43 yards, 1 rush, 7 yards
AJ McCarron was the starter but left with a non-contact knee injury, which is never a good sign. The next man up was rookie Feleipe Franks. It was a rough day for the rookie, who was sacked four times on 16 dropbacks, one of which was for a safety. He also turned the ball over once, but showed some potential with his mobility; he converted a fourth down with his legs right after entering the game for the injures McCarrron.
Feleipe Vick?
The QB scrambles for 20 yards!
📺: @Fox5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/AxX67YeQiP
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 22, 2021
With limited weapons to throw to, there wasn’t a lot to note between these two. McCarron is likely out for an extended period of time, which opens the door for Franks to be the backup, for now.
Running Back
Caleb Huntley: 6 carries, 57 yards, TD, Fumble
Javian Hawkins: 5 carries, 46 yards
D’Onta Foreman: 9 carries, 24 yards, TD
Qadree Ollison: 7 carries, 21 yards
Qadree Ollison lead the team in snaps as he saw almost all of the early work, indicating he likely has the backup running back spot locked up behind Mike Davis. In the fourth quarter, Caleb Huntley and Javian Hawkins both busted a big run, each flashing some nice speed.
Caleb Huntley ➡️ End Zone
📺: @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/3x7GqtG1B9
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 22, 2021
D’Onta Foreman had an inefficient 9 carries but was able to find paydirt from a yard out on fourth down.
D'Onta Foreman runs in for the TD on 4th down!
📺: @Fox5Atlanta | @D33_foreman pic.twitter.com/WfglzapAQI
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 22, 2021
Another situation where there isn’t much of note here outside of who might be fighting for the final spots on the depth chart.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tajae Sharpe: 5 targets, 2 receptions, 27 yards
Frank Darby: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 27 yards
Christian Blake: 3 targets, 1 reception, 16 yards
Juwan Green: 1 target, 1 reception, 15 yards
Parker Hesse: 1 target, 1 reception, 4 yards
John Raine: 1 target
Austin Trammell: 1 target
The passing game was rough for the Falcons, with a rookie quarterback throwing to roster bubble pass-catchers. Tajae Sharpe led the team in targets and yards, but in general there wasn’t much fantasy-relevant action from this group.
On a good note, kicker Younghoe Koo looked good, including drilling a 53-yarder.
Koo is true from 53 yards!
📺: @Fox5Atlanta | @YounghoeKoo pic.twitter.com/MHCZIIcWpj
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 21, 2021
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa: 16/23, 183 yards, TD, Sack | 1 carry, 8 yards
Jacoby Brissett: 8/8, 99 yards, TD
Reid Sinnett: 2/2, 7 yards, TD | 2 carries, -2 yards
While Tua Tagovailoa had a great day while on the field with the first unit, the backups were literally perfect when it was their time to shine. Tua got off to a slow start, but once he got moving, he looked like he had great chemistry with Myles Gaskin, which is something to take note of. Tua looks like he’s developing like most have hoped, looking composed in the pocket and making quick, smart decisions. Once the starters were done, the passing attack continued, as both backups tossed touchdowns before the game was over. In general, the Dolphins clearly believe in their passing attack this season.
.@Tua and the @MiamiDolphins on the move. #ATLvsMIA pic.twitter.com/rqAIxlMSFt
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2021
Running Back
Malcolm Brown: 10 carries, 43 yards, TD
Gerrid Doaks: 7 carries, 30 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 8 yards
Myles Gaskin: 6 carries, 27 yards, TD | 4 targets, 4 receptions, 44 yards, TD
Jordan Scarlett: 5 carries, 22 yards
Salvon Ahmed: 2 carries, 6 yards | 4 targets, 2 receptions, 19 yards
Patrick Laird: 1 carry, 2 yards
Myles Gaskin was the clear lead back in this game. In the first drive alone, he put up 57 yards from scrimmage and was rewarded with a valuable goal-line carry which resulted in a touchdown. He was heavily involved in both the passing and the rushing game, which was a great sign as the backfield situation in Miami has been a little bit of a mystery as of late.
We see you Myles!
📺 >> @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/B1yNY3Vtlj
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 21, 2021
Malcolm Brown looked better this week and continues to project as the spell back behind Gaskin. Salvon Ahmed will continue to have his change of pace/receiving back role in this offense. The Dolphins dished out targets to their running backs all game, which is a trend that should continue into the regular season.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Mack Hollins: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 49 yards
Mike Gesicki: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 43 yards
Kirk Merritt: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 34 yards, TD
Malcolm Perry: 2 targets, 1 reception, 29 yards
Jaylen Waddle: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 21 yards
Robert Foster: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 16 yards, TD
Jakeem Grant Sr.: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 16 yards
Chris Myarick: 1 target, 1 reception, 6 yards
Hunter Long: 1 target, 1 reception, 4 yards
Adam Shaheen: 1 target
On Miami’s first drive, rookie Jaylen Waddle was targeted four times, able to convert three of them for 21 yards. He collided awkwardly with a defender and had to leave the game momentarily. Thankfully he was able to return, but he was not targeted for the rest of the matchup. With many of their receivers sitting this matchup out, the game plan was to feed Waddle early, and he responded well. Mike Gesicki may have only had two targets, but he was able to turn them into 43 yards, including this one that ended in a nifty front flip.
🤐 MIKE.
📺 >> Watch on @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/QZCI4EacZN
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 22, 2021
Mack Hollins is making the most of his opportunities, as he was able to haul in almost all of his targets and was the most active pass catcher for the Dolphins.
Unrelated to the offense, Dolphins pass-rusher Sam Eguavoen ended the game with four total sacks, one of which was a safety. The Dolphins defense looked tremendous in general, but keep in mind, Atlanta was not playing many starters in this matchup.
— Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)
Test
Great read thank you!