Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins: Who To Watch In First Preseason Game
The Atlanta Falcons' first preseason game is here, and while many key players will sit this one out, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, this is the first chance for Falcons and Dolphins fans (and fantasy football lovers) to see both teams in action and assess their potential for the coming NFL season.
Evaluating The Future
With a 90-man roster needing to be trimmed down to 53 by Aug. 27, this preseason game is crucial for the Falcons coaching staff to evaluate their options. The Falcons' editorial staff, including Tori McElhaney, Will McFadden, and Terrin Waack, each picked a player to watch during the game, focusing on the most recent draft picks.
Michael Penix Jr.
McElhaney: This is the show, right? Seeing Penix in a Falcons uniform? Well, according to Raheem Morris Wednesday, you can expect to see a fair amount of Penix in the pocket Friday night. How much or how little is up for debate, but a quarter or two shouldn't be out of the question.
This is the first live action we will see of Penix, and if all bodes well for Cousins over the next few years, the preseason may be all we see of Penix for a while. At least, that's the scenario the Falcons established when they drafted Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Cousins is the present, while Penix is the future.
Friday is a chance to evaluate the future in the present, at least as much as you can with starters on both sides taking a back seat in the first preseason game. Regardless, Penix's performance will be one many across the league take notice of, whether it be good, bad or somewhere in the middle. That includes yours truly.
Casey Washington
McFadden: This pick carries some additional weight in light of the unfortunate news that Rondale Moore has been placed on Atlanta’s reserve/injured list, but Washington was always a strong contender for this spot to me. I've really liked what I've seen from the Falcons rookie at times, but Friday night could give him the chance to shine.
I don't expect Drake London to play on Friday, and it seems unlikely Darnell Mooney or Ray-Ray McCloud III would either if the starting offense doesn't suit up. That should set the stage for Washington to get a lot of work. Part of the reason Atlanta's staff liked Washington coming out of Illinois was because of their vision for him in multiple different roles. We'll potentially get a better idea of what that looks like against the Dolphins.
Bralen Trice
Waack: The rookie outside linebacker has made a splash very early on in his Atlanta tenure, receiving a substantial amount of first-team reps in training camp. Noticeably more than any newcomer. Trice himself literally said he “got thrown out there,” and as I wrote before: He did not sink. He swam. Hence, the splash already mentioned.
I'm interested to see him in live play, too. Coaches and players alike have complimented Trice's pass-rush instincts, how natural he is on the playing field. It should come as no shock, considering Trice led all FBS players in total pressures the last two seasons of college ball, according to Dane Brugler’s “The Beast.” The NFL is a different beast, though. Friday will be the first indication if he can tame this one as well.
The Falcons are also looking for a man to step up and take over the edge. There's no reason Trice can't be that guy. What will be interesting, however, is who else gets opportunities against the Dolphins at this position. For example, it wouldn't be surprising to see Arnold Ebiketie also get a shot. Ebiketie did step up this week, as Trice missed Tuesday's practice due to an illness and likely wasn't 100% Wednesday when he did participate, as Morris said pre-practice that the Falcons would keep an eye on his reps because of the heat and humidity.
Key Takeaways from the Game
The Falcons lost to the Dolphins, 20-13, Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium in the teams’ first preseason game of 2024. Penix's night ended with the rookie quarterback going 9-of-16 through the air.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward, it's exciting to see how these young players develop, and how they contribute to the team's success. The Falcons have a lot of talent, and this preseason is a chance to see how that talent translates to the field. We'll be watching closely.
