SPECIAL TEAMS, SPECIAL PLAYERS
The very first play of the game was brand new for the Falcons and Dolphins alike. Keep in mind that the NFL implemented new kickoff rules for the 2024 season, so it might have been that unknown that Atlanta decided to go with after winning the coin toss at the start. It’s common for a team to defer, but every coach has his own preferences.
Regardless of the reason for this decision, the Falcons sent Carlos Washington and Micah Abernathy out as kickoff returners. Washington eventually caught the ball and ran it 10 yards to the Atlanta 23-yard line.
Natrone Brooks and Dylan Drummond were also tested as kickoff returners.
Ultimately, Washington returned two kicks for 18 yards. Brooks and Drummond each returned one kick for 2 and 23 yards, respectively. Atlanta, however, had trouble catching two kickoffs cleanly, something that will likely be discussed when the Falcons resume training camp on Monday.
“It looks exciting,” Morris said. “I think it’s exactly what we wanted from a fan perspective. It brought the game back to life. I was able to get some returners on the field, get some coverages and get a chance to evaluate some guys in space and tackling. I was excited about how that looked and I think we’re going to get better and better as we go.”
In special teams coverage, 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 kicked the ball 48 yards to the Miami 25-yard line. Washington botched the catch and recovered it 3 yards further. Before he could get any further forward, Malone was there, causing a 10-yard loss for the Dolphins on the return. Their offense then had to start its series at its own 12-yard line.
That was Malone’s best moment in punt coverage, but not his last. He was credited with two more stops in that regard.
Malone also stopped kickoff coverage, making himself a weapon on special teams. His only tackle there was again against Washington, which brought the Dolphins to a halt at their own 27-yard line.
