Even with the benefit of a game plan against the Dolphins, the Falcons offense still stalled at times on Friday night against the Dolphins.
A third-quarter touchdown to Roddy White was the game's first score in the end zone, giving the Falcons a 16-6 lead.
The Falcons haven't shown much in the running game during the preseason, instead focusing on the pass with great success. All members of the offense have repeatedly said they're not concerned with the running game, but even with a more balanced approach to begin the game against the Dolphins, the Falcons couldn't move the ball on the ground with consistency.
The starters played into the third quarter and Ryan had another good night (18/26 for 220 yards), but the QB was also the half's second-leading rusher.
Michael Turner carried 10 times for 35 yards and Ryan gained six yards on two carries. Jacquizz Rodgers added four yards on four carries. Backups Dimitri Nance and Antone Smith added 12 and 10 yards each.
Atlanta's starters converted 11 first downs, 10 of them on passing plays. They ended the game with 18 first downs, 14 coming through the air, two on the ground and two from penalties.
The Falcons had 362 yards of offense on the night with 293 coming through the passing game.
The Falcons will likely have a more balanced attack when the season begins, but it's clear they've spent a lot of time on the passing attack in the preseason and there's probably a good reason for that.
