Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats
The Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats from the August 28, 2026 NFL preseason game tell a story that goes beyond the final 17 to 12 score. Atlanta controlled the game early, built a 17-point advantage through the first half, and then held Miami scoreless in the fourth quarter despite the Dolphins producing more rushing yardage and more total defensive tackles. Miami’s defense also recorded the game’s only interception, but Atlanta’s passing efficiency, pressure production, and first-half execution proved decisive.
The matchup at first looks like a low-scoring preseason contest, but the underlying numbers provide several useful clues. Atlanta completed 26 of 33 passes for 239 yards, while Miami completed only 11 of 24 for 158 yards. The Falcons also recorded five sacks compared with one by the Dolphins. That difference in quarterback pressure was one of the clearest statistical separators.
For readers studying Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats, the most important lesson is that individual production cannot be separated from game context. A receiver’s yards per catch, a quarterback’s completion percentage, a running back’s workload, and a defense’s sack total all become more meaningful when considered alongside field position, turnovers, scoring opportunities, and game flow.
Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Overview
Atlanta defeated Miami 17 to 12 on August 28, 2026, during the NFL preseason. The Falcons entered the game with a 2-1 record and were 2-0 on the road, while Miami fell to 0-3 overall and 0-2 at home.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring pattern explains much of the result:
| Quarter | Atlanta Falcons | Miami Dolphins |
| First | 7 | 3 |
| Second | 10 | 3 |
| Third | 0 | 3 |
| Fourth | 0 | 3 |
| Final | 17 | 12 |
Atlanta scored all 17 of its points during the first two quarters. Miami scored three points in every quarter, but that consistency was not enough to overcome the early deficit.
The Falcons’ 17 points came from a combination of passing production, rushing execution, and kicking. Miami managed 12 points, all from field goals according to the supplied scoring data.
This makes the contest particularly interesting from a statistical perspective. Miami did not collapse completely. Instead, Atlanta created enough separation early and then prevented the Dolphins from turning their second-half possession into a comeback.
Passing Comparison
Passing was arguably the most significant statistical advantage for Atlanta.
The Falcons finished 26 of 33 through the air for 239 yards. Their average was listed at 7.4 yards per attempt, and the team produced one passing touchdown and one interception. Atlanta quarterbacks posted a collective 95.1 passer rating.
Miami, meanwhile, completed 11 of 24 passes for 158 yards. The Dolphins averaged 7.0 yards per attempt, did not throw a touchdown, and did not record an interception. Their team passer rating was 69.4.
The completion difference is substantial.
Atlanta completed approximately 79 percent of its attempts, while Miami completed approximately 46 percent. That gap meant Atlanta consistently turned pass attempts into usable offensive plays.
The numbers also show that Miami’s problem was not simply a lack of yards per completed pass. The Dolphins actually averaged more yards per completion than Atlanta based on the supplied passing and completion totals. The bigger issue was how frequently Miami was able to complete passes in the first place.
Cooper Rush’s Efficient Performance
Cooper Rush led Atlanta’s passing attack with 13 completions on 18 attempts for 106 yards and one touchdown.
His completion rate was approximately 72 percent, giving Atlanta a steady passing presence. Although 106 yards is not a massive total, the touchdown helped turn his production into points.
The Falcons did not need one quarterback to produce a huge statistical line. Instead, they received contributions from multiple passers.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Short but Efficient Appearance
Tua Tagovailoa completed seven of eight passes for 95 yards.
That is an extremely efficient line in terms of completion percentage. He completed 87.5 percent of his attempts and averaged roughly 11.9 yards per attempt.
Because this was a preseason game, however, his limited number of attempts is important. Eight passes are not enough to draw broad conclusions about a quarterback’s full-game performance.
Still, the numbers show that his brief appearance produced meaningful passing yardage.
Miami’s Quarterback Rotation
Miami’s passing workload was split between Mark Gronowski and Cam Miller.
Gronowski completed four of eight passes for 97 yards. Miller completed seven of 16 for 71 yards.
Gronowski’s yardage total is especially notable because he produced 97 yards on only eight attempts. That works out to more than 12 yards per attempt.
Miller, on the other hand, completed more passes but finished with fewer passing yards. That illustrates why completion totals alone can be misleading when evaluating quarterback performance.
The overall Dolphins passing line suffered because Miami could not combine those individual contributions into enough sustained scoring drives.
Jack Strand’s Turnover
Atlanta’s Jack Strand completed six of seven passes for 44 yards but threw one interception.
The interception was one of Atlanta’s few clear mistakes through the passing game. Miami’s Miles Battle recorded the defensive interception, returning it for zero yards.
That play prevented Atlanta from finishing the game without a passing turnover, but it did not change the final outcome.
Rushing Production
The rushing comparison provides another interesting contrast.
Atlanta carried the ball 24 times for 40 yards, averaging only 1.7 yards per carry. The Falcons scored one rushing touchdown, with a longest run of seven yards.
Miami ran 25 times for 78 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry. The Dolphins did not score a rushing touchdown, but they produced a longest run of 13 yards.
On raw rushing efficiency, Miami performed better.
That is important because the final score might otherwise suggest that Atlanta dominated every offensive category. It did not.
Miami gained nearly twice as many rushing yards despite having only one more rushing attempt.
Brian Robinson Jr. Provides Atlanta’s Rushing Score
Brian Robinson Jr. led Atlanta with five carries for 14 yards and one rushing touchdown.
His average was 2.8 yards per carry, which was not particularly explosive. However, the touchdown gave his workload direct scoring value.
This is a useful reminder when examining preseason statistics. Efficiency matters, but touchdowns and situational execution can matter even more in determining the scoreboard.
Nathan Carter Adds Supporting Production
Nathan Carter recorded four carries for 13 yards.
That gave him an average of 3.25 yards per carry. His contribution was modest in volume but helped Atlanta maintain a multi-player rushing rotation.
The Falcons’ overall rushing numbers were not impressive, but the offense did enough in the right situations to contribute to the 17-point first-half total.
Carlos Washington Jr. Leads Miami in Carries
Carlos Washington Jr. received the largest rushing workload for Miami.
He carried the ball 13 times for 34 yards, averaging approximately 2.6 yards per attempt.
The workload is significant because Washington received more than half of Miami’s rushing attempts. Although the efficiency was limited, his usage made him one of the central figures in the Dolphins’ ground game.
Mark Gronowski Adds 28 Rushing Yards
Mark Gronowski also contributed on the ground with four carries for 28 yards.
That works out to an impressive seven yards per carry.
His rushing production was therefore a major part of Miami’s 78 rushing yards. When his passing and rushing numbers are considered together, his overall offensive contribution becomes more interesting than his passing line alone suggests.
Receiving Leaders
The receiving statistics reveal another difference between the teams.
Atlanta’s receivers combined for 26 receptions, 245 yards, one touchdown, and 31 targets. Their average gain was 9.4 yards per reception, with a longest reception of 37 yards.
Miami’s receivers recorded 11 receptions for 168 yards on 21 targets. They averaged 15.3 yards per reception and had a longest reception of 33 yards.
That comparison creates an interesting contradiction.
Miami’s receivers averaged significantly more yards per catch, but Atlanta generated far more completed passes. The Falcons therefore created more consistent passing volume, while Miami’s completed passes tended to generate larger chunks of yardage.
Kyle Pitts Sr. Leads Atlanta
Kyle Pitts Sr. was Atlanta’s leading receiver.
He caught three passes for 59 yards, averaging 19.7 yards per reception. His longest reception went for 37 yards.
That combination of volume and explosiveness made Pitts one of Atlanta’s most productive offensive players.
Three receptions may not seem like a huge number, but 59 yards from those catches means he averaged almost 20 yards every time he secured the ball.
Terrace Marshall Jr. Leads Miami
Terrace Marshall Jr. led Miami’s receiving group with two receptions for 49 yards.
His 24.5-yard average was one of the most explosive individual receiving figures in the game. His longest reception went for 33 yards.
The important context is volume. Marshall made a significant contribution with only two receptions, but Miami did not consistently generate enough completed passes to turn explosive plays into a larger offensive total.
Why Atlanta Won Despite Miami’s Rushing Advantage
One of the most useful ways to interpret the Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats is to avoid looking at a single category.
Miami had:
- More rushing yards
- Better rushing average
- More defensive tackles
- The game’s only interception
- More total defensive tackles
Yet Atlanta won.
The Falcons’ advantages came in several high-impact areas:
- More completed passes
- More passing yards
- A higher completion rate
- One passing touchdown
- One rushing touchdown
- Five sacks compared with Miami’s one
- More total receiving yards
- A stronger first half
This is why box-score analysis should focus on relationships between statistics rather than isolated numbers.
Miami’s 78 rushing yards were useful, but Atlanta’s passing volume helped the Falcons control offensive possessions more effectively.
Defensive Player Stats
The defensive numbers show that Miami’s defense was active throughout the game.
The Dolphins recorded 70 total tackles, including 35 solo tackles. They produced one sack, three tackles for loss, two passes defended, and three quarterback hits.
Atlanta recorded 57 tackles, including 37 solo tackles. The Falcons produced five sacks, seven tackles for loss, five passes defended, and eight quarterback hits.
The tackle totals favor Miami, but the pressure statistics strongly favor Atlanta.
That difference is critical.
Atlanta’s Five Sacks
Five sacks compared with one is one of the strongest statistical advantages in the game.
Sacks can end drives, create long-yardage situations, remove potential passing yardage, and increase the likelihood of turnovers or failed scoring opportunities.
Atlanta’s eight quarterback hits also show that the pressure was not limited to the five plays officially recorded as sacks.
The Falcons consistently disrupted Miami’s quarterbacks.
Miami’s Interception
Miles Battle recorded Miami’s only interception.
The interception was credited with zero return yards and no touchdown.
Even though the play did not directly produce a defensive score, it demonstrated that Miami’s defense created at least one major takeaway opportunity.
Atlanta’s defense did not record an interception.
However, the Falcons compensated with significantly more quarterback pressure.
Turnovers and Ball Security
Atlanta recorded two fumbles and lost both of them according to the supplied data, while also having one fumble recovery listed.
Miami recorded two fumbles and lost one, with two recoveries listed.
The turnover information should be interpreted carefully because the supplied team fumble and recovery totals reflect the box-score accounting rather than simply counting offensive mistakes in isolation.
The important takeaway is that neither team played a completely mistake-free game.
Atlanta threw one interception and lost two fumbles according to the provided statistics, while Miami threw no interceptions and lost one fumble.
Despite those mistakes, Atlanta still finished with the victory.
That suggests the Falcons created enough positive plays elsewhere to offset their turnovers.
Special Teams Performance
Special teams contributed directly to the scoring difference.
Atlanta’s Nick Folk went one for one on field-goal attempts, with a 34-yard long. He also converted both extra-point attempts for five total points.
Miami’s Riley Patterson made four of five field-goal attempts. His longest field goal was 46 yards, and he finished with 12 points.
This is one of the most striking elements of the game.
Patterson scored all 12 of Miami’s points, meaning the Dolphins did not record an offensive touchdown.
Atlanta, by comparison, scored one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown, while Folk handled the remaining five points listed for the Falcons.
The contrast demonstrates two very different paths to scoring.
Miami relied heavily on field goals.
Atlanta converted offensive opportunities into touchdowns.
Kick Returns
Atlanta returned four kickoffs for 120 yards, averaging 30.0 yards per return. Its longest kick return was 52 yards.
Miami had three kick returns for 96 yards, averaging 32.0 yards per return. The Dolphins’ longest was 46 yards.
Miami actually had the higher average per return, but Atlanta generated more total return yards because it had one additional return.
Punt Returns
Atlanta recorded three punt returns for 36 yards, averaging 12.0 yards per return.
Miami returned two punts for 13 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per return.
This was another small special teams advantage for Atlanta.
Punting Comparison
Atlanta punter Jake Bailey recorded five punts for 281 yards.
His average was 56.2 yards per punt, with a longest punt of 63 yards. One punt resulted in a touchback and one was placed inside the 20-yard line.
Miami’s Bradley Pinion also punted five times, totaling 233 yards.
His average was 46.6 yards, with a longest punt of 60 yards. He recorded no touchbacks and one punt inside the 20.
The raw average favors Bailey by almost 10 yards per punt.
However, punt average alone does not tell the entire field-position story. Touchbacks and punts inside the 20 can be more useful for understanding how a punter affected field position.
First-Half Performance Decided the Game
The scoring pattern is perhaps the simplest explanation for Atlanta’s victory.
The Falcons scored seven points in the first quarter and ten in the second.
Miami scored three points in each of those quarters.
At halftime, Atlanta had a 17 to 6 advantage.
The Dolphins then scored three points in the third quarter and another three in the fourth.
That means Miami won the second half 6 to 0.
But because Atlanta had already built an 11-point lead, Miami’s second-half improvement was not enough.
This is an important distinction when reviewing preseason games. A team can finish a game strongly without having done enough early to win it.
What the Passing Numbers Reveal
The passing statistics suggest that Atlanta was better at sustaining its aerial attack.
The Falcons completed 26 passes.
Miami completed only 11.
That is a 15-completion difference.
Even though Miami’s completed passes traveled farther on average, Atlanta’s much larger number of completions gave the Falcons greater consistency.
Atlanta also produced 239 passing yards compared with Miami’s 158.
The 81-yard difference is significant considering that the teams attempted 33 and 24 passes respectively.
Atlanta’s passing attack therefore had both higher volume and more total production.
What the Rushing Numbers Reveal
The rushing statistics tell a different story.
Miami recorded 78 rushing yards compared with Atlanta’s 40.
The Dolphins also averaged 3.1 yards per carry compared with Atlanta’s 1.7.
Miami’s longest run reached 13 yards, while Atlanta’s longest went only seven yards.
From a pure rushing perspective, Miami had the better statistical performance.
The problem was that this advantage did not translate into touchdowns.
Atlanta scored one rushing touchdown despite its limited rushing yardage.
That illustrates an important football principle: efficiency across the field and success in scoring situations are not always the same thing.
Pressure Was a Major Difference
If one statistic deserves special attention, it is the sack total.
Atlanta recorded five sacks.
Miami recorded one.
Atlanta also registered eight quarterback hits.
Miami registered three.
That means Atlanta had a five-hit advantage in official quarterback hits and a four-sack advantage.
The pressure likely contributed to Miami’s low completion total and modest passing output.
The Dolphins completed fewer than half of their pass attempts, while Atlanta’s passers completed nearly four out of every five attempts.
That contrast is too large to ignore.
A Closer Look at Efficiency
Efficiency provides a better way to understand individual performances.
Atlanta’s team completion percentage was approximately 78.8 percent.
Miami’s was approximately 45.8 percent.
Atlanta’s passing yards per attempt based on the supplied numbers were approximately 7.2 yards per attempt, while Miami’s were approximately 6.6.
The listed averages in the supplied box score are 7.4 and 7.0 respectively, depending on the statistical convention being used.
The larger story remains the same: Atlanta converted a much higher percentage of its passing opportunities.
On the ground, Miami averaged 3.1 yards per carry, compared with Atlanta’s 1.7.
Therefore, the teams essentially traded advantages:
Atlanta won through passing efficiency and defensive pressure, while Miami held the advantage in rushing production.
Individual Players Who Stood Out
Several players produced statistics that deserve additional attention.
Kyle Pitts Sr.
Pitts recorded three receptions for 59 yards.
His 19.7-yard average was a major source of Atlanta’s explosive receiving production.
Cooper Rush
Rush completed 13 of 18 passes for 106 yards and one touchdown.
His completion percentage was approximately 72.2 percent.
Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa completed seven of eight attempts for 95 yards.
His 87.5 percent completion rate was excellent in the limited sample.
Brian Robinson Jr.
Robinson recorded five carries for 14 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.
Carlos Washington Jr.
Washington received 13 rushing attempts for 34 yards, making him Miami’s leading rusher by workload.
Mark Gronowski
Gronowski produced 97 passing yards and 28 rushing yards.
His combined involvement makes him one of the more statistically interesting Miami players from the game.
Terrace Marshall Jr.
Marshall caught two passes for 49 yards and averaged 24.5 yards per reception.
Miles Battle
Battle produced Miami’s only interception.
What the Box Score Does Not Tell You
Box scores are useful, but they have limits.
The statistics tell us who produced yards, completions, sacks, tackles, and points. They do not fully explain every reason a drive succeeded or failed.
For example, Miami’s 78 rushing yards look positive. But without drive-by-drive context, we cannot determine how many of those yards came on successful early-down plays, how often they converted third downs, or how frequently they reached the red zone.
Similarly, Atlanta’s five sacks demonstrate strong defensive pressure, but the box score does not identify every coverage assignment, protection error, or quarterback decision that contributed to those sacks.
This is particularly important in preseason analysis because teams frequently rotate players and test combinations.
Therefore, these statistics are best treated as a factual snapshot of the game rather than a complete evaluation of every player.
Preseason Context Matters
The game was played during the NFL preseason, which changes how individual statistics should be interpreted.
Preseason games often involve extensive player rotation, limited workloads for established players, and opportunities for younger players to compete for roster positions.
As a result, a single preseason box score should not automatically be treated as a prediction of regular-season performance.
For example, a quarterback completing seven of eight passes may have performed efficiently, but eight attempts are still a small sample.
Likewise, a running back receiving 13 carries may have received a larger workload because of roster evaluation rather than because the team had already determined his regular-season role.
The numbers remain valuable, but the context prevents overinterpretation.
Statistical Lessons From the Game
Several broader lessons emerge from the data.
1. Passing volume mattered
Atlanta completed 15 more passes than Miami.
That gave the Falcons significantly more opportunities to move the chains through the air.
2. Explosive plays mattered
Miami’s receiving group averaged 15.3 yards per reception.
Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts Sr. averaged 19.7 yards per reception individually.
Explosive plays existed on both sides, but Atlanta converted more overall passing opportunities.
3. Sacks changed the matchup
Atlanta’s five sacks compared with Miami’s one.
That was one of the clearest indicators of defensive impact.
4. Touchdowns beat field goals
Miami scored 12 points, all through field goals according to the supplied scoring statistics.
Atlanta scored two touchdowns and five kicking points.
That difference explains how Atlanta scored more despite Miami’s stronger rushing statistics and the Dolphins’ four successful field goals.
5. Second-half improvement was not enough
Miami scored six second-half points while Atlanta scored none.
Still, the Falcons’ 17-point first half created enough separation to protect the victory.
How to Read Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats
When reviewing a box score like this, a useful approach is to work through the numbers in a consistent order.
First, check the final score.
Second, compare passing totals.
Third, examine rushing production.
Fourth, review turnovers.
Fifth, look at sacks and quarterback hits.
Sixth, examine third-level statistics such as receiving efficiency and special teams.
Finally, compare the scoring distribution by quarter.
This approach prevents one impressive individual number from dominating the analysis.
For example, Miami’s 78 rushing yards could initially suggest that the Dolphins controlled the offense. But Atlanta’s passing advantage and defensive pressure reveal why that rushing edge did not translate into victory.
Team Statistical Snapshot
| Category | Atlanta Falcons | Miami Dolphins |
| Final Score | 17 | 12 |
| Passing | 26/33, 239 yards | 11/24, 158 yards |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Passing INTs | 1 | 0 |
| Sacks Allowed | 1-6 | 5-10 |
| Rushing | 24-40 | 25-78 |
| Rushing Average | 1.7 | 3.1 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Receptions | 26 | 11 |
| Receiving Yards | 245 | 168 |
| Receiving TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Total Tackles | 57 | 70 |
| Solo Tackles | 37 | 35 |
| Sacks | 5 | 1 |
| Tackles for Loss | 7 | 3 |
| QB Hits | 8 | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 1 |
| Kick Returns | 4 | 3 |
| Punt Returns | 3 | 2 |
| Field Goals | 1/1 | 4/5 |
This table captures the central story of the matchup.
Atlanta was clearly more productive through the air and substantially more effective at generating quarterback pressure.
Miami was more productive on the ground and recorded more total tackles.
The scoreboard ultimately favored Atlanta because the Falcons converted their offensive opportunities into touchdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta defeated Miami 17 to 12 in the August 28, 2026 NFL preseason matchup.
Who led the Falcons in passing?
Cooper Rush led Atlanta with 13 completions on 18 attempts for 106 yards and one touchdown.
Who was Miami’s leading receiver?
Terrace Marshall Jr. led Miami with two receptions for 49 yards, averaging 24.5 yards per reception.
Who was Atlanta’s leading receiver?
Kyle Pitts Sr. led the Falcons with three receptions for 59 yards and a 37-yard long reception.
Which team had more rushing yards?
Miami had more rushing yards. The Dolphins gained 78 yards on 25 carries, while Atlanta gained 40 yards on 24 carries.
Which team recorded more sacks?
Atlanta recorded five sacks, while Miami recorded one.
Who recorded the game’s interception?
Miami’s Miles Battle recorded the only interception in the game.
Who scored Miami’s 12 points?
Riley Patterson made four of five field-goal attempts and scored all 12 of Miami’s listed points.
Conclusion
The Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats provide a clear example of how different statistical strengths can produce a close but decisive preseason result.
Atlanta’s biggest advantages came through the passing game and defensive pressure. The Falcons completed 26 of 33 passes for 239 yards, scored one passing touchdown, and generated five sacks. Kyle Pitts Sr. provided an explosive receiving performance, while Cooper Rush delivered an efficient passing contribution.
Miami had several positive statistical areas of its own. The Dolphins rushed for 78 yards compared with Atlanta’s 40, averaged 3.1 yards per carry, recorded 70 tackles, and produced the game’s only interception through Miles Battle. Terrace Marshall Jr. also delivered an explosive receiving average, while Riley Patterson converted four field goals.
The decisive factor was how those numbers translated into points. Atlanta scored 17 points in the first half, including two touchdowns, and then held Miami to six second-half points. Miami improved after halftime, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome.
The final 17 to 12 score therefore reflects more than a simple five-point difference. It represents Atlanta’s ability to capitalize on passing opportunities, generate consistent quarterback pressure, and finish early drives with touchdowns, while Miami’s stronger rushing numbers and defensive activity did not produce enough offensive touchdowns to change the result.
The supplied ESPN box score, identified by Game ID 401873304, provides the statistical foundation for evaluating the matchup and comparing individual player performances without relying on assumptions beyond what the game data supports.
