Dolphins will get a huge test in Atlanta today
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins defense is in the top five of the NFL against the run but today the Atlanta Falcons are going to give the Dolphins a run for their money.
Atlanta is ranked 7th in the NFL in rushing offense and ranked third in passing offense. Miami is ranked 4th against the run and 22nd against the pass. Young corners Xavien Howard and Cordrea Tankersley will be tested often by Matt Ryan and the Atlanta passing game but Miami has to realize that Atlanta is just as good running the ball.
The Dolphins are one of only two teams not to give up more than 20 points in a game this season defensively. Unfortunately the Dolphins offense who ranks dead last in rushing, hasn’t put up more than 20 points this season offensively. In fact the Dolphins have failed to reach 20 points this season. Their highest point total is 19.
Miami is coming off a home opening win against the Titans a week ago but the Dolphins offense was anemic and the previous two weeks were blowout losses of 20-0 and 20-6. Atlanta will be the most potent offense the Dolphins will have faced this season.
Stopping the Falcons won’t be easy and Miami needs to get pressure on Ryan to make him throw early. The linebackers must add pressure as well but also need to fill the gaps left by the defensive lineman to stop the run. Lawrence Timmons has played well the last two weeks and Kiko Alonso is having another solid season for the Dolphins. Last week Miami got good production from Rey Maualuga who made his Dolphins debut.
Defensively the Dolphins have to keep the game close because frankly they have no idea what offensive team is going to show up this week. Miami’s offense has been bad all year despite winning two games. Jay Cutler has been playing lethargic and the wide-receivers don’t seem to be on the same page.
If Miami’s offense can’t produce points or for that matter first downs, the Dolphins defense is going to wear down quickly against an attacking Falcons offense. It could make for a long day. That being said, if the Dolphins can take away the Falcons offense and the Miami offense can control the ball, Miami could upset the Falcons and potentially turn the corner on their season.