The Atlanta Falcons are on the road again as they face the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium in the third game of the 2015 preaseason. Take a look at these photos of gameday.
Former Hurricanes Show Out: University of Miami products Leonard Hankerson, Devin Hester and Matt Bosher looked great in their old city. Hankerson, who filled in for Roddy White opposite Julio Jones, tallied 50 yards on three receptions. His longest catch of the night went for 28 yards. Hester came down with two catches—one for a first down—and added two punt returns for 20 yards. Bosher booted six punts for an average of 46.3 yards. His longest of the night went 58 yards.
Offensive Line Struggles: The first-team offensive line struggled mightily against the Dolphins' formidable defense. Matt Ryan wasn't given much time to throw and was sacked three times in four drives; the running game, which still missed Devonta Freeman (hamstring), wasn't given enough holes to operate. This performance should intensify a number of competitions—especially the one at left guard. James Stone had a particularly rough night, and Jon Asamoah, still very much in the mix, will continue to push for a starting job.
Coleman Gets First Taste of NFL: Rookie halfback Tevin Coleman made his Falcons debut against Miami, and though he racked up just two yards on four carries, the third-round pick had one impressive run in which he broke a tackle behind the line of scrimmage.
New Defenders Build Momentum: Free agent signings Justin Durant, O'Brien Schofield and Adrian Clayborn continued their strong play in Miami. Durant made four tackles (all solo) and displayed impressive closing speed; Schofield registered a sack and forced fumble; and Clayborn, who recovered the ball Schofield knocked loose, added a sack of his own.
Starr, Bartu Make Big Play: Tyler Starr and Joplo Bartu, each competing for a roster spot, teamed up to make the defensive play of the night. Eight seconds into the fourth quarter, Starr exploded by the left tackle and got a paw on Matt Moore's throw, which fluttered 20 yards downfield and into Bartu's hands. Bartu then ran the interception back 41 yards, providing Atlanta with excellent field position. The ensuing drive resulted in a Matt Bryant field goal.
Extra Point:Tony Moeaki (ankle) and Tyler Polumbus (knee) left the game and did not return.
