5 things that stood out from Falcons’ preseason loss to Dolphins

The very first play of the game was brand new to the Falcons and Dolphins alike. Remember, the NFL introduced new kickoff rules for the 2024 season. So, it may have been because of that unknown Atlanta elected to receive upon winning the opening coin toss. It’s common for a team to defer, but every coach has his preference.

Regardless of the reason behind that decision, the Falcons sent Carlos Washington and Micah Abernathy out there as their kickoff returners. Washington ending up catching the ball and running it 10 yards out to the Atlanta 23-yard line.

Natrone Brooks and Dylan Drummond were also tested out as kickoff returners.

After all was said and done, Washington returned two kicks for 18 yards. Brooks and Drummond returned one apiece for 2 and 23 yards, respectively. Atlanta did have trouble fielding two kickoffs cleanly, which will likely be discussed when the Falcons resume camp practices on Monday.

“It looks exciting,” Morris said. “I think it’s exactly what we wanted from the fan standpoint. It brought the play back to life. I was able to get a couple returners out there, get a couple coverages, get a chance to evaluate some people in space and tackling. I was fired up with how that stuff looked, and I think we’ll get better and better as we go.”

When it came to coverage on special teams, outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone made his presence felt. He was the one who brought Washington down on the Dolphins’ first punt return. Falcons punter Ryan Sanborn booted the ball 48 yards to the Miami 25-yard line. Washington muffed the catch and recovered it 3 yards back. Before he could make any forward progress, Malone was there, leading the Dolphins to a loss of 10 yards on the return. Their offense then had to start its series at their own 12-yard line.

That was Malone’s best moment on punt coverage, but not his last. He was credited with another two stops in that regard.

Malone also made a stop on kickoff coverage, further making a case for himself as a special teams weapon. His one tackle there was on Washington again, landing the Dolphins at their own 27-yard line.