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 concluded its game in the fourth quarter as Elam nailed a 50-yard field goal.
 Afterwards, the Dolphins got their only score as quarterback Chad Pennington completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Ricky Williams.

With the win, the Falcons began their season at 1–0.

Tony Gonzalez (5 receptions, 73 yards, and a TD) became the 21st player in NFL history to collect 11,000 career receiving yards.
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 concluded its game in the fourth quarter as Elam nailed a 50-yard field goal.  Afterwards, the Dolphins got their only score as quarterback Chad Pennington completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Ricky Williams.
With the win, the Falcons began their season at 1–0.
Tony Gonzalez (5 receptions, 73 yards, and a TD) became the 21st player in NFL history to collect 11,000 career receiving yards.
2009 Atlanta Falcons season