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Miami's second-team offense drove 40 yards to the Falcons' 20 before Atlanta's first-teamers came out of the game. The Dolphins then settled for a field goal.
GROUND GAME
YOUNGSTERS
His touchdown pass came on fourth and 1, when he faked a handoff to Freeman, who then circled out of the backfield to make the catch in the flat and score untouched.
"We were on the same page, and I was able to make a great play on the ball," Carroo said.
GOOD CATCHES
First-teamers on both sides saw little or no action. New Miami quarterback Jay Cutler sat out,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, and backup Matt Moore played one series, which went three-and-out after confusion forced the Dolphins to call timeout before their first snap.
Freeman, who grew up in Miami,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, said he had about 70 kids from his local youth program at the game, along with two dozen friends and relatives.
"It's always fun to come back to Miami,Jerseys NFL Cheap," he said.
SIDELINED
The Dolphins' exhibition season began badly. Second-round draft pick Raekwon McMillan, the front-runner to start at middle linebacker, hurt his right knee on Roberts' return.
Terron Ward, contending to be Atlanta's third running back,NFL Jerseys From China, carried 11 times for 48 yards and a touchdown. Kenyan Drake led Miami rushers with 21 yards in five carries.
Freeman ranked seventh in the league last year with 1,541 total yards.
Freeman, who agreed Wednesday to a $41.25 million, five-year contract extension, scored to cap the Falcons' first preseason possession.
Freeman's touchdown capped a 36-yard drive by new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkasian's unit after a 39-yard punt return by newcomer Andre Roberts.
KICKING CONTROVERSY?
CROWD SUPPORT
Dolphins receiver Leonte Carroo, a disappointment as a rookie last year, outmaneuvered C.J. Goodwin to catch a 33-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Doughty.
"It was just about me competing, doing what I love to do," he said.
Falcons first-round draft pick Takkarist McKinley and receiver Julio Jones sat out. Among those not playing for the Dolphins were running back Jay Ajayi, center Mike Pouncey and left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
"I liked how all of our young guys tried to play as fast as they could," Gase said. "And I didn't feel like we had a lot of mistakes."
Matt Bryant, who's entering his 16th season, missed a 47-yard field goal attempt for Atlanta, while second-year pro Mike Meyer made kicks of 30 and 53 yards.
The Falcons, who blew a 28-3 advantage against New England in last season's Super Bowl, this time let a 20-10 fourth-quarter lead get away. Undrafted rookie Damore'ea Stringfellow caught a 99-yard touchdown pass from David Fales to cap Miami's comeback, but neither is likely to make the roster.
Now the NFL's highest-paid running back, Freeman looked the part in a brief appearance Thursday night, scoring on a 15-yard reception from Matt Ryan as Atlanta lost to the Miami Dolphins 23-20.
"Mike nailed it like he does in practice," Quinn said. "He has a fantastic model to look for in terms of consistency in Matt Bryant."
Stringfellow hauled in Fales' pass at the Miami 30, cut twice to elude safety Marcelis Branch and raced down the sideline for his score to put Miami ahead to stay.
Miami backup safety Walt Aikens also left the game in the first quarter with a back injury.
"That was my fault," Gase said with a wry smile. "I thought they were in different personnel and changed the call, and didn't give Matt enough time."
The Falcons were on their third quarterback before the first quarter ended. Ryan played one series and went 3 for 3, hitting three receivers for 32 yards.
Rookie defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and second-year receiver Jakeem Grant had impressive moments for Miami,Wholesale NFL Jerseys.
After the game, coach Adam Gase said he did not yet know the severity of the injury. McMillan left the locker room on crutches.
"It's tough to see a young player go down," Gase said.
"We're really thrilled to get this deal gone, knowing what a significant factor he is for us," coach Dan Quinn said.
Freeman and Ryan celebrated in the end zone with a flying shoulder bump and hug.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons' new investment in Devonta Freeman is already reaping dividends. |
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