The Falcons will take on the Dolphins in the teams’ first exhibition on Friday, but the two clubs will hold joint practices leading up to the preseason contest. So, let’s take a look at several interesting matchups because Miami is a great litmus test as a playoff-caliber roster for an aspiring Atlanta team.
Falcons CBs vs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle
This is going to be the headline grabber for much of the week. Hill and Waddle are arguably the best receiving duo in football, and the Falcons’ corners will have their hands full. A.J. Terrell isn’t one to worry about, but it will be must-watch TV to see these All-Pros match up. However, the rest of Atlanta’s cornerbacks could be in for a long week.
Waddle and Hill are licking their chops at the thought of potentially lining up across from Tre Flowers, Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips, and Dee Alford. However, on the flip side, that group of defenders is likely chomping at the bit to get some time against two of the best receivers in the game. It should be a fun week between these units.
Dolphins DBs vs. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson
This battle would’ve been legendary had Jalen Ramsey not gone down with a significant knee injury. Instead, it’ll be a combination of Xavien Howard, Eli Apple, Jevon Holland, and DeShone Elliott matching up with Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson and other Falcons pass catchers.
Howard is a massive corner, so him across from Pitts will be intriguing. London going against a CB1 will always be a good watch as well. However, one of the things I’m most excited about is Bijan Robinson as a pass catcher.
We’ve seen him beat the hell out of Falcons linebackers Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss in practice, so I don’t expect that to change against Miami’s linebackers — David Long Jr. and Jerome Baker. However, when Robinson matches up with Jevon Holland… that might be a different story.
Falcons OL/DL vs Dolphins DL/OL Falcons
Games are won in the trenches, and the Falcons are much improved in this area. Miami’s defensive front is stout, featuring elite interior and edge defenders. Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary will draw Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Chris Lindstrom, Drew Dalman, and Matthew Bergeron will have their hands full with Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Raekwon Davis.
On the other side of the ball, the Falcons new-look defensive front will match up against a respectable Dolphins offensive line. Grady Jarett, Calais Cambell, David Onyemata, Calais Campbell, Ta’Quon Graham, Bud Dupree, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, and DeAngelo Malone will line up against Connor Williams, Liam Eichenberg, Terron Armstead, and Austin Jackson.
It should be pretty fun for fans to watch, so I would recommend going if you’re in the Miami area. The Falcons are looking to prove they’re a playoff team, and the Dolphins are a great litmus test.
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