The Miami Dolphins have huge expectations coming into the 2024 NFL season, and tonight they played like it tonight in their preseason opening win over the Falcons in Miami.

----- 'LIVE' Instant Reaction from Jim "Gries" Grieshaber -----

With Tua Tagovailoa, Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios, Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, and most other stars and starters in street clothes, the Dolphins came out with a chip on their shoulder on both sides of the ball.

Skylar Thompson was good- not great- as the starting quarterback. Thompson played the first half, throwing a touchdown and an interception. Thompson threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Wilson Jr., and rookie Jaylen Wright ran one in from 6 yards.

Mike White played the second half, going just 4-14 in relief of Thompson.

The Dolphins showed good balance on offense, with running backs Wilson, Jr., and Wright each scoring a touchdown in their quest to make the team behind Raheem Mostert and De'von Achane. Wright- the rookie 4th round pick from Tennessee- had 55 yards on ten carries in hois first NFL game.

Tight End Tanner Conner, fighting for a roster spot, had 3 catches for hurt late after a nice night (3 catches)

Rookies Patrick Paul and Patrick McMorris looked good also, at offensive tackle and safety.

Jason Sanders hit two field goals for Miami, from 58 and 46 yards out. He would later miss from 58 yards out.

Dolphins took the lead for good with 14 straight points in the second quarter.

Atlanta rookie Michael Penix Jr. completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in his NFL debut. Penix, the former Washington star and number-eight pick of the draft, started and played pretty well.

The Dolphins defense- in their first game under new coordinator Anthony Weaver- forced Atlanta to turn the ball over on downs two times inside the Miami 10 in the fourth quarter.

The Dolphins play the Washington Commanders next Saturday night in preseason game number two.

We will be 'LIVE' right after the game with your Locked on Dolphins POSTCAST, hosted by Jim "Gries" Grieshaber.

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