Miami Dolphins

Vs.

Atlanta Falcons

August 19, 1967

FALCONS DEFEAT DOLPHINS, 27-17
 

Interception Sets Up Key Score in Last Period

MIAMI, Fla. (AP)- The Atlanta Falcons threw away a 10-point lead but got a key interception by Leo Carroll in the fourth quarter and rallied for a 27-17 victory over Miami Saturday night in an inter-league exhibition game between pro football's year-old expansion teams.

The Falcons, who entered the National Football League last season, had a 10-0 lead until John Stofa replaced Bob Griese at quarterback midway through the second period and sparked the American Football League Dolphins to a 17-10 lead.

Atlanta, with Terry Nofsinger taking over for quarterback Randy Johnson, closed to within four points on a 35 yard field goal by Wade Traynham with 3:09 gone in the fourth quarter.

On the second play after the ensuing kickoff, Stofa dropped back to pass, hesitated and then threw the ball.

Carroll, a 6-foot-7 defensive end, grabbed the pass at the Miami 25 and chugged to the 20. Four plays later Junior Coffey burst through the middle for five yards and the touchdown that gave the Falcons a 20-17 advantage.

Atlanta added another touchdown late in the period on Nofsinger's eight-yard pass to Taz Anderson.

The Dolphins went nowhere under Griese, who was making his first start as a pro. They lost the ball twice on fumbles, twice on pass interceptions and got no further than their 40-yard line.

Then Stofa entered the game and turned the contest around, taking Miami for scores three out of the first four times they had the ball.

Scoring Summary

First Quarter
ATL- Wheelwright 22 yard pass from Johnson (Traynham kick)

Second Quarter
ATL- FG Traynham 25
MIA- Price 2 run (Mingo kick)
Third Quarter
MIA- Stofa 1 run
MIA- FG 42 Mingo

Fourth Quarter
ATL- FG Traynham 35
ATL- Coffey 5 run (Parker kick)
ATL- Anderson 8 yard pass from Nofsinger (Parker kick)

Att- 50,822

RETURN