Atlanta Falcons: Collapse Against the Miami Dolphins
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons took a commanding 17-0 lead against the Dolphins early and would eventually collapse and lose to the Dolphins 20-17 with a Matt Ryan interception losing the game for the Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons were in complete control early against the Miami Dolphins early putting up 17 straight points against the Dolphins and shutting them out in the first half. The second half game was a collapse that can be pointed out in two plays.
The first and the biggest play of the game was an interception that was called back because of a roughing the passer call on Grady Jarrett. Getting the interception off the board allowed Miami to score what would end up being, the winning points.
While the collapse was much bigger than one play Jarrett’s mistake was the most glaring and certainly one that should have been avoided. The fact that he took Cutler to the ground in such an unneeded fashion cost the Falcons and likely cost them the game.
With a 20-17 lead the Falcons did get the ball back and drove to field goal range that would have forced overtime. When Matt Ryan forced a throw to Hooper that bounced off of him and the defender into the second defender’s arms.
The throw and second half offensive performance were both poor and while Falcons fans should be concerned it is not time to panic just yet.
The same team that made the Super Bowl last season got off to a slow start losing games that they were in a position to win. Starting off the season 4-3 and look likely to start the season with that same record.
Ryan throwing the late pick in field goal position was ugly and tough to watch but what was more surprising was the fact that Ryan was looking to force the ball to Hooper and not Julio Jones or Devonta Freeman. Both players should have been more involved in the second half offense.
The Falcons will now have to go and face New England as they get ready for three straight road games. All three games are winnable games with the Patriots not looking like the team that won the Super Bowl last season.
No doubt today’s game was a tough loss to stomach and will provide plenty of tape for the Falcon’s coaches to work on. It was an ugly loss early in the season that should not be blown out of proportion.
This Falcons team is still a very talented unit one that is almost certainly headed for the playoffs. Much the same as they were last year when they were off to a 4-3 start. The Falcons will begin to prepare for next week’s Super Bowl rematch on Sunday night football with kick-off scheduled for 8:30 on NBC.