The Atlanta Falcons wrapped up the preseason Friday night with a 17-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins, holding off a late Miami push at Hard Rock Stadium before turning their attention to the regular season.
Atlanta won the opening coin toss and elected to defer. Miami received first, but the Falcons’ defense forced a punt on the opening possession, giving the offense its first opportunity of the night.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Falcons quickly went to work. Tagovailoa connected with Kyle Pitts, including a 37-yard completion that moved Atlanta deep into Miami territory.
Brian Robinson Jr. finished the eight-play, 60-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run, and Nick Folk’s extra point gave Atlanta an early 7-0 lead with 8:49 remaining in the first quarter.
Miami answered with a 46-yard field goal from Riley Patterson to cut the lead to 7-3, but Atlanta’s defense continued to make plays. Later in the quarter, Chris Williams blocked Patterson’s 56-yard field-goal attempt, keeping the Falcons in front.
Atlanta had an opportunity to extend its lead late in the first quarter, but Robinson fumbled at the Miami 15-yard line, and the Dolphins recovered.
The Falcons responded in the second quarter behind veteran quarterback Cooper Rush, putting together a 12-play, 54-yard scoring drive.
Rush and Atlanta converted a fourth down along the way before he found Jack Velling for a three-yard touchdown with 3:31 remaining in the half. Folk’s extra point extended the Falcons’ advantage to 14-3.
Miami added a 45-yard Patterson field goal to make it 14-6, but Atlanta wasn’t finished.
Rush connected with Tyler Goodson for a 31-yard gain that moved the Falcons to the Miami 16-yard line with 19 seconds remaining. Rush then spiked the ball to stop the clock, allowing Folk to connect on a 34-yard field goal as time expired and send Atlanta into halftime leading 17-6.
Miami began cutting into the lead during the third quarter. Patterson converted a 26-yard field goal, pulling the Dolphins within eight at 17-9.
The Dolphins threatened again early in the fourth quarter, moving inside Atlanta’s 10-yard line. A botched exchange resulted in a Miami fumble, which J. Woods recovered at the Atlanta 22-yard line, ending the scoring threat.
Miami got another opportunity after Jaxson Strand was intercepted by M. Battle with just over six minutes remaining.
That’s when James Pearce Jr. delivered two sacks on the possession, helping prevent Miami from reaching the end zone and forcing the Dolphins to settle for another Patterson field goal. His 37-yarder cut Atlanta’s advantage to 17-12 with 3:56 remaining.
The Falcons immediately responded with a huge special-teams play.
Vinny Anthony returned the ensuing kickoff 52 yards to the Miami 46-yard line, putting Atlanta in position to drain the remaining clock.
Strand connected with Anthony Wells for 10 yards on third-and-nine before using his legs to pick up six yards on another third down. With Miami out of opportunities to stop the clock, Atlanta went into victory formation, and Strand took three consecutive kneel-downs to seal the win.
Atlanta’s defense proved to be the difference throughout the night. The Falcons did not allow a touchdown, holding Miami to four field goals while generating sacks, a blocked field goal and a crucial fourth-quarter turnover.
The preseason finale also gave players competing for roster spots one final opportunity to make their case. Rush directed Atlanta’s second touchdown drive, Goodson contributed as both a runner and receiver, Velling found the end zone, and several young defenders stepped up when Miami threatened.
Tagovailoa also made the most of his preseason action, completing 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards, while Pitts finished with three receptions for 59 yards.
With the 17-12 victory, Atlanta officially closes the book on the preseason.
Now the games count. The Falcons will head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium, officially kicking off Atlanta’s 2026 regular season.
