The Dolphins played so poorly in their 16-6 loss to the Falcons that coach Tony Sparano may change the team’s practice schedule over the next few days.
Miami benched CB Sean Smith for showing up late to a team meeting, so Jason Allen started ahead of him. (When Smith came in, Roddy White quickly got three steps behind him, but White dropped a long potential touchdown.)
The Dolphins threw to Brandon Marshall eight times; he had three catches, 51 yards, and a drop.
Dolphins QB Chad Henne was inconsistent enough to inspire a “Don’t write off Chad Henne yet” column. (Henne finished 10-of-23 for 123 yards and a red zone interception. Drops hurt him.)
It’s probably not a good sign for the Dolphins running game when Chad Pennington had the team’s longest gain on the ground.
Someone, wake Florio up: Pat White played!
Falcons QB Matt Ryan was somewhat erratic in a winning effort. “There were some things we did pretty well, but for the most part I think we had seven possessions in the first half, and we came away with just 10 points.
LB Mike Peterson led an impressive Falcons rush defense.
Rookie LB Sean Weatherspoon may have solidified a starting job with a big effort.
Falcons WR Brian Finneran is still catching tough touchdown passes after all these years.
The Falcons’ third down defense excelled, led by preseason defensive MVP candidate DE Kroy Biermann.