What went well and what didn't in Dolphins' first preseason game

The Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons kicked off their respective preseasons on Friday in a low-scoring contest that saw the Falcons come out on top 19-3. In the battle, both defenses consistently had the upper hand and both offenses stalled out in the red zone. 

Judging a team on what they will be in the regular season based on the preseason is near impossible. Between players sitting and often vanilla play calling, a team's true identity is generally always under wraps. However, dozens of players are fighting for a roster spot and the preseason may be the only game action they see and their chance to make an impression.

On a night Miami listed 31 players out, including all of their starters, here's what went well and what didn't:

What went well

Miami's ability to move the ball. Despite the final score, the offense moved the ball with ease at times. Dolphins quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson combined to go 19-of-30 while averaging 6.3 yards per completion. The receiving core averaged just under 10 yards a catch and the running backs averaged 6.5 yards a carry. Stats that would generally lead to a more favorable outcome.

What didn't go well.

Missed opportunities and turnovers. Capitalizing in the red zone is paramount in the NFL and Miami didn't execute on Friday night. The Dolphins got inside the Atlanta 10-yard line three times and came out empty-handed on each occasion. An interception killed the first drive of the night, while the other two died on fourth-down incompletions. Miami also lost the turnover battle 0-4, with three interceptions and a lost fumble. While he Dolphins outgained the Falcons by 109 yards, untimely turnovers changed the course of the game. Skylar Thompson, 2022's preseason Cinderella after he threw for 150 yards a game, five touchdowns and no interceptions, got off to a rough start this time around. He tossed two picks, was sacked four times and lost a fumble on Miami's final possession.

What went well.

A few players popped in this game. Jaylen Twyman, Mitchell Agude, Channing Tindall and Garrett Nelson all recorded sacks for Miami and Tindall led the team with 10 total tackles. Rookie corner Cam Smith, a player Miami expects to contribute this season, finished with four tackles, a pass breakup and had tight coverage all night. Another rookie expected to play a role in Miami's offense this year is running back Devon Achane, who compiled 66 total yards on 10 rushes and four receptions. 

What didn't go well.

Penalties. Plain and simple Miami got in their own way at multiple points throughout the game. From holding to false start penalties, the Dolphins were penalized eight times for 72 yards. A stat Miami will look to clean up regardless of who takes the field. 

Many of the players in this game won't be on Miami's roster when Week 1 rolls around, a harsh reality of the preseason. After the game against the Falcons, some increased their odds while others, unfortunately, now have a steeper hill to climb as the regular season inches closer.