The Falcons began their season at home in an inter-conference battle with the Miami Dolphins.  After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta took off in the second quarter as quarterback Matt Ryan completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to fullback Ovie Mughelli, followed by kicker Jason Elam making a 36-yard field goal.  In the third quarter, the Falcons continued their stellar play as Ryan completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez (with a failed PAT).  Atlanta would conclude its well-performed game in the fourth quarter as Elam nailed a 50-yard field goal.  Afterwards, the Dolphins would get their only score of the game as quarterback Chad Pennington completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Ricky Williams. Tony Gonzalez (5 receptions, 73 yards, and a TD) would become the 21st player in NFL history to collect 11,000 career receiving yards.. How many yards longer was Jason Elam's second field goal compared to his first?