Three Dolphins who stood out in Miami's 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons in preseason opener

The Miami Dolphins defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 on Friday night to start off their 2024 preseason action on the right foot.

However, the score in preseason games ultimately matters far less than the individual performances of the players.  As coaches work to evaluate their best 53 players and trim their roster down from 90, these opportunities are big for reserves and young players looking to either cement their roster spots or fight for a starting job or a key rotational role.

Here's who stepped for Miami against the Falcons.

1) Siran Neal

The most impressive defender and special teamer (not named Jason Sanders, who nailed a 57-yard field goal amidst a solid day) was Neal.  The veteran cornerback immediately made his presence known with an open field tackle on the opening kickoff of the game.  After the Dolphins took the lead on Sanders' aforementioned boot, Neal again made a solo open field tackle to pin Atlanta inside their own 20.

But it was Neal who also made the most impressive defensive play of the game.  He hit Atlanta defender Chris Grier and forced the ball loose. He then chased after it and recovered it.

2) Patrick Paul

The big rookie showed quickly why he's been getting rave reviews in camp and why the Dolphins spent a second-round pick on him as potentially their left tackle of the future.

Paul absolutely manhandled his blocking assignment on back-to-back runs that saw fellow rookie Jaylen Wright scamper for two first downs.  The line, which struggled at times, particularly in pass protection, looked far better with him in the game.

3) Jaylen Wright

The rookie from Tennessee showed why the Dolphins traded into the fourth round to get him.  He carried 10 times for 55 yards, but it was a handful of runs that showcased his talents.

He ran with burst and physicality on back-to-back first down runs in the first half.  He hit the hole hard and put the Dolphins up 17-10 in the late stages of the second quarter.

But it was his ability to improvise and make a big play that were the most eye opening.  He turned a potential loss into a cross-field gain of 14 yards after bobbling a lateral and quickly evading a host of oncoming defenders.

Related: Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons preseason Week 1: first half observations