This was the Dolphins' fourth consecutive loss in season openers. The last victory came in Nick Saban's coaching debut in 2005 when the Dolphins routed Denver, 34-10.This one actually wasn't quite as close as the score indicated.
The Dolphins trailed 19-0 until they scored a late touchdown to make the final more respectable. The touchdown came on a 9-yard pass from Chad Pennington to Ricky Williams coming out of the backfield.
But it was a long day for Pennington, who threw an interception and fumbled in the first half when he was sacked. The other two turnovers came on fumbles by tight end Anthony Fasano.
But this was a game where everybody on offense deserved blame.
The defense did a great job on Falcons running back Michael Turner, the second-leading rusher in the NFL last season, but had no answer for tight end Tony Gonzalez.
The longtime Chiefs great scored Atlanta's second touchdownafter fullback Ovie Mughelli had given the Falcons a 7-0 lead in the first half.
The Dolphins reached the red zone only twice all day. The first threat ended on a Fasano fumble and the other ended with the Ricky Williams touchdown.
Things won't get much easier for the Dolphins next week, as they take on the Indianapolis Colts in the Monday night game.