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Watch: Heinicke Throws TD to Miller, Gives Falcons Lead at Cardinals

Originally posted on FanNation Falcon Report
By Daniel Flick | Last updated 11/12/23

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith spoke at length during the week about red zone execution, and his team appeared poised to continue struggling on its second drive against the Arizona Cardinals during Sunday's game inside State Farm Stadium.

After a strong run from rookie running back Bijan Robinson pushed the Falcons to the Cardinals' six-yard line, Atlanta started the second quarter in prime scoring position.

But a holding penalty on tight end MyCole Pruitt pushed Atlanta back to the Arizona 16, and a three-yard run for Robinson thereafter left the Falcons with two plays to gain 13 yards, barring a potential fourth down try.

Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke picked up most of that yardage on 2nd and Goal, gaining 11 yards on an unscripted scramble.

The next play, Heinicke found veteran receiver Scotty Miller open on the left side of the endzone, and the two connected for a Falcons touchdown, taking a 7-3 lead.

Here's a look at the play ...

It's @MillerTime___10!!

CBS | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/8MN3SGsGje
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 12, 2023

The touchdown marked Miller's second this season, the first coming two weeks ago from Heinicke in the second half of Atlanta's 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Miller, in his first year with the Falcons, entered the day with only six receptions for 74 yards to his name, but made a big play in a big spot for Atlanta's offense.

Smith praised Miller in the week leading up to last Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings while explaining the depth of the receivers room.

“Scotty is a pro," Smith said. That receiver room, you’ve got a really good mix. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve got three guys in there with a Super Bowl ring. And you get that, and you get guys who play at high-level games. Look, those guys go out there, they understand the game plan, and they go out and practice. That’s what you love about that group man.

"Those guys understand how to be professionals, the standards at which they set. They understand what’s asked of them. They try to do that at the highest level.”

The Falcons currently lead the Cardinals 7-6 with 10 minutes to play in the second quarter.

This article first appeared on FanNation Falcon Report and was syndicated with permission.

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