The Atlanta Falcons (1-0) got the job done on the road in Game 1 of the preseason on Friday night, beating the Miami Dolphins (0-1) 19-3 in Hard Rock Stadium.
It was an all-around team effort for the Falcons. Running back Godwin Igwebuike gave Atlanta a 6-0 lead in the second quarter with an 11-yard rushing touchdown and the Falcons' defense managed to hold Miami to just three points.
Atlanta put the game out of reach by scoring two touchdowns in 13 seconds in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
Atlanta gave quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke the night off, so the game was entrusted to third-string signal caller Logan Woodside. His night was not spectacular by any means, but Woodside kept the ball away from the Dolphins and made some impressive throws along the way.
Woodside, a fifth-year veteran, did not find the end zone on Friday night, but he looked in control from start to finish. Woodside started the entire game under center for Atlanta, throwing a steady 14 completions on 23 attempts for 146 passing yards.
Entering halftime, Woodside was 8 of 9 passing for 73 yards.
Woodside made a handful of throws into tight windows and showed great command in the pocket.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith will have to decide whether or not he wants three quarterbacks on his roster this season, and Woodside just gave him a good first impression.
The Falcons will head back to Atlanta and face the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
More must-reads: