Studs and duds from Falcons’ 30-28 victory over Dolphins

There were several players deserving of recognition for their role in helping the Falcons secure a comeback victory over the Dolphins. From fullback Keith Smith, to safety Jaylinn Hawkins, Sunday’s win was a complete team effort by Atlanta.

Here are the studs and duds from the Falcons’ 30-28 win over Miami in Week 7.

Game ball - TE Kyle Pitts

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

On the day, Pitts recorded seven receptions for over 160 yards. He didn’t get into the end zone, but he played a crucial role in between the 20s to get the Falcons in scoring position throughout the afternoon. Pitts is quickly becoming the team’s number one receiver and Sunday was his second straight game over 110 receiving yards.

Dud - WR Calvin Ridley

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t let his touchdown catch fool you, Ridley was not at his best on Sunday. He was nonexistent for most the game and dropped multiple passes, including one that fell into the hands of a Dolphins defender. Ridley just didn’t look like himself, catching just four of 10 targets on the day.

Stud - QB Matt Ryan

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, Ryan had an uncharacteristic fumble late in the game that put the Dolphins in great scoring position, but that alone isn’t enough to overshadow his big performance. In the words of Arthur Smith, Matt Ryan is “criminally underrated.” He threw for 336 yards and a couple of scores on Sunday.

Stud - Jaylinn Hawkins

(AP Photo/Ian Walton)

For the second game in a row, Jaylinn Hawkins recorded an interception. Unlike in London, the Falcons capitalized on this turnover, turning it into points as the first half came to a close. Hawkins is quickly becoming the Falcons’ best safety.

Stud - Foye Oluokun

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Without Oluokun’s interception, this game could’ve been a lot different than it played out. Foye’s interception came at a great time because it was one play after Calvin Ridley dropped a Matt Ryan pass that fell into the hands of a Dolphins defender. Ridley owes Oluokun for erasing his mistake.

Stud - Younghoe Koo

(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

Younghoe Koo is going to earn himself a big contract if he keeps kicking like he has over the past two seasons. Koo went three for three on the afternoon and hasn’t missed all season long. Koo’s 36-yard kick as time expired saved the Falcons from what would have been a season-crushing loss.

1

1