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The Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons have completed their Preseason Week 1 matchup with the Dolphins coming away with a 23-20 victory.
Of course, the final score of a preseason game means nothing in the long run. Instead, the main story of tonight’s game will likely be the injury to Dolphins rookie linebacker Raekwon McMillan. The Dolphins opened the game with the ball, but would go three-and-out on the only series for most of the team’s starters. On the subsequent punt, McMillan was working in coverage and was blocked into a couple of other players who were on the ground, hitting the pile sideways with his knee. After the play, McMillan stayed on the ground, with trainers coming out to treat him.
He walked off the field under his own power, but was taken to the locker room and was eventually ruled out for a return. Reports during the game indicate the team fears he tore his ACL and could be out for the season. His injury joins a list that includes running back Jay Ajayi (concussion), guard Ted Laren (biceps), and quarterback Ryan Tannehill (knee) among others already.
The game had some special moments, including a 99-yard touchdown from Damore’ea Stringfellow, giving the Dolphins a 23-20 lead in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Francis Owusu had a couple of good catches, including a toe-tapping 28-yard reception late in the game.
Quarterback David Fales was 8-for-17 for 184 yards with two touchdowns and an inteception for the Dolphins, while Brandon Doughty was 7-for-12 for 69 yards and a touchdown and interception for Miami as well. On the Falcons’ offense, Matt Simms led the way with a 10-for-20 for 104 yards performance while starter Matt Ryan was 3-for-3 for 32 yards and a touchdown. Miami starter Matt Moore was 1-for-1 for five yards.
Overall, it was exactly what a first preseason game is supposed to be - other than the injury to McMillan. It was a lot of the younger players looking to make an impression, with some good moments and some questionable decisions. The Dolphins now move on to preparation for the Baltimore Ravens next Thursday, also in Miami.