Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

The Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons match on August 28, 2026, gave fans an interesting preseason contest as Atlanta secured a 17–12 victory at Hard Rock Stadium. The game attracted extra attention because former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned to Miami wearing an Atlanta Falcons uniform. Beyond the storyline, the match provided useful information about several players competing for important roles before the regular season.

Tua Tagovailoa Leads Atlanta’s Opening Drive

Tua Tagovailoa was one of the main attractions of the game. Making his first appearance for Atlanta against his former team, he completed 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards. His 87.5% completion rate showed good accuracy during his limited playing time.

Tagovailoa helped Atlanta produce a 60-yard opening scoring drive. The possession ended with Brian Robinson Jr. running three yards for a touchdown. Tagovailoa’s performance was efficient, although his night also included a fumble on Atlanta’s second possession. He played three series before giving way to Cooper Rush.

Cooper Rush Provides a Strong Performance

Cooper Rush continued the positive offensive momentum after Tagovailoa left the field. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 106 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown pass went to tight end Jack Velling for three yards in the second quarter.

Rush’s 72.2% completion rate and 105.3 passer rating made his performance one of Atlanta’s strongest offensive highlights. He also helped the Falcons maintain control during the second quarter and build a 14–3 advantage before halftime.

Kyle Pitts Makes an Impact

Kyle Pitts was another important contributor for Atlanta. The tight end caught three passes for 59 yards, including a 37-yard reception that helped set up the Falcons’ opening touchdown.

Although Pitts played only during the first quarter, his production demonstrated his ability to create significant yardage with limited opportunities. His average of nearly 20 yards per reception was particularly impressive and gave Atlanta an early advantage through the passing game.

Brian Robinson Jr. Scores Atlanta’s First Touchdown

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. supplied Atlanta’s first touchdown of the game. He finished with five carries for 14 yards and a three-yard touchdown.

His touchdown capped Atlanta’s opening drive and gave the Falcons early control. Robinson also caught a few passes during the opening period, although his night ended with a fumble that Miami recovered. Atlanta ultimately overcame its turnover problems to protect the lead.

Miami’s Quarterbacks Share the Work

Miami used Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski at quarterback. Miller started the game and completed 7 of 16 passes for 71 yards. Gronowski entered after halftime and completed 4 of 8 passes for 97 yards.

Gronowski also contributed 28 rushing yards on four carries. His mobility helped Miami move the football, but the Dolphins could not convert their opportunities into a touchdown. A potential scoring chance in the third quarter ended when Theo Wease Jr. dropped a pass in the end zone.

Riley Patterson Keeps Miami Close

While Miami did not score a touchdown, kicker Riley Patterson kept the Dolphins within reach. He made four field goals, including attempts from 46, 45, 26 and 37 yards.

Patterson’s accuracy accounted for all 12 of Miami’s points. His performance prevented the game from becoming one-sided and allowed the Dolphins to remain competitive through the second half.

Match Player Statistics

The overall team statistics also explain the result. Atlanta finished with 279 total yards compared with Miami’s 236. The Falcons recorded 239 passing yards and 40 rushing yards, while Miami produced 158 passing yards and 78 rushing yards. Atlanta also converted five of 13 third downs, compared with three of 14 for Miami.

What the Statistics Tell Us

The numbers show that Atlanta was more efficient through the air and more successful at converting important downs. The Falcons’ two touchdowns gave them the decisive advantage, while Miami relied entirely on field goals.

Turnovers were another important factor. Atlanta committed three turnovers, including two lost fumbles and one interception, yet still won comfortably enough. Miami’s inability to turn promising drives into touchdowns was a major difference.

For preseason football, individual performance can be more important than the final score. Tagovailoa showed strong accuracy, Rush demonstrated reliability, Pitts created explosive plays, and Miami’s quarterbacks provided different looks. These performances offered coaches useful information before regular-season decisions were finalized.

Final Thoughts

The Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons match player stats highlight a game shaped by efficient passing, timely scoring and strong kicking. Atlanta’s 17–12 victory was supported by productive quarterback play from Tagovailoa and Rush, while Pitts and Robinson contributed important plays early.

For Miami, Patterson’s four field goals and Gronowski’s second-half production were encouraging, but the offense needed to finish drives more effectively. Overall, the matchup offered plenty of individual storylines and useful preseason information for both teams.

FAQs

1. Who won the Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons match?

The Atlanta Falcons won the preseason game 17–12.

2. How did Tua Tagovailoa perform?

Tagovailoa completed 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards in his three-series appearance.

3. Who scored Atlanta’s first touchdown?

Brian Robinson Jr. scored Atlanta’s first touchdown on a three-yard rushing play.

4. How many points did Riley Patterson score?

Patterson made four field goals, accounting for all 12 of Miami’s points.

5. How many receiving yards did Kyle Pitts record?

Kyle Pitts caught three passes for 59 yards.