The Falcons may have lost their preseason opener to the Miami Dolphins, but there were some positive developments in Friday night’s matchup. A few players fighting for depth roles stepped up and rookie quarterback Michael Penix had an impressive debut.
According to Pro Football Focus, Atlanta’s first-round pick was not among the highest-graded players on the team. Penix finished sixth among the team’s offensive players with a PFF grade of 63.2. So which players earned the highest marks in Friday’s opener?
Cornerback Kevin King led all players with a grade of 91.9 and Dane Cruikshank finished second on the team with an 86.9 PFF rating. Defensive lineman Zach Harrison (86.6), Prince Emili (85.8), and Arnold Tarpley III (81.9) rounded out Atlanta’s top five.
Highest-graded Falcons in the preseason opener:
🥇 Kevin King – 91.9
🥈 Dane Cruikshank – 86.9
🥉 Zach Harrison – 86.6
🏅 Prince Emili – 85.8
🏅 Arnold Tarpley III – 81.9 pic.twitter.com/BNcHvFqFCF— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) August 10, 2024
King forced a fumble, came away with an interception and had one pass breakup while allowing zero receptions on four targets. Zach Harrison, who will likely be a major rotational piece this season, ended his night with one tackle and two pressures.
Rookie linebacker Bralen Trice had a nice game before exiting due to injury late in the first half. Trice earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 78.4 on 23 snaps played. Falcons fifth-round pick JD Bertrand earned the lowest defensive rating (28.3), one spot below second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro (30.3).
