Dolphins vs. Falcons joint practices: Matchups to watch this week
MIAMI GARDENS — Pay close attention to the Dolphins’ two days of joint practices against Atlanta that begin Tuesday at the Dolphins training facility.
Joint practices are a more accurate gauge of where the Dolphins starters, and many top reserves, stack up against another team than Friday’s preseason opener, because most starters won’t play in the preseason opener.
Plus, this might be a better matchup than you think.
The Dolphins’ over/under win total is 9.5 according to most Las Vegas sports books. The Falcons’ over/under win total is 8.5 according to most Las Vegas sports books.
It’s unclear how much some of the Dolphins who are recovering from injuries might participate in joint practices, so someone such as Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery, might be limited. The same could be true for safeties Brandon Jones, DeShon Elliott and Trill Williams.
Atlanta might be without veteran defensive end Calais Campbell, the former University of Miami standout, who opened training camp on the non-football injury list, and the Falcons will definitely be without cornerback Jeff Okudah, who was carted off the field with a right ankle injury earlier in training camp.
For comparison, the injury-plagued Dolphins finished 9-8 last season and lost to Buffalo in the wild-card game. Atlanta finished 7-10 last season, installing quarterback Desmond Ridder as the starter late in the season. In four starts he finished 73 of 115 for 708 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 86.4 passer rating.
There are numerous matchups to watch this week. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Dolphins DL Christian Wilkins vs. Falcons RG Chris Lindstrom
This is a huge matchup. Wilkins, whose 98 tackles led all defensive linemen in 2022, is having an outstanding training camp and is a rising star. Lindstrom was a second-team All Pro last season and the Falcons’ only Pro Bowl player. In truth, Lindstrom will face Wilkins, Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis, among others, but Wilkins vs. Lindstrom is the headliner.
Dolphins rookie CB Cam Smith vs. Falcons WRs
Smith, the second-round pick, participated in Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage on a limited basis after leaving Friday’s practice early. Smith has an opportunity for playing time opposite Xavien Howard because All Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey (left knee) is sidelined. Fellow cornerbacks such as Eli Apple, Kader Kohou and Noah Igbinoghene have more experience, but Smith has shown a knack for breaking up passes, so perhaps that trend continues and he takes steps toward earning a role.
Dolphins coaching staff vs. Falcons coaching staff
The Dolphins finished losing six of their last seven games, and it wasn’t all due to injuries. Coach Mike McDaniel was out-coached in at least two of those games (San Francisco and Los Angeles Chargers).
Let’s see whether McDaniel, with the major addition of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, has improved the coaching staff. Last year, the Dolphins were tied for fourth in penalties (111) and fifth in penalty yards (881). Atlanta coach Arthur Smith is a third-year head coach with an offensive background, so perhaps Fangio can harness the momentum of his front seven, which is having an outstanding training camp, to stymie the Falcons’ offense. And we’re always watching the Dolphins’ offensive line.
Dolphins’ trio of Tua, Tyreek and Waddle vs. Falcons pass defense
We expect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to be able to do their thing against every defense. And considering the Falcons’ 21 sacks were second-to-last, they were 25th in passing yards allowed (231.9 per game) and 29th in passer rating against (95.7), and the Falcons won’t have Okudah, the Dolphins’ top passing combination should have success. However…
Dolphins No. 3 receiver candidates vs. Falcons defenders
The battle for No. 3 receiver remains unsettled. Wide receiver Braxton Berrios and running Raheem Mostert are the top candidates as the No. 3 receiver/receiving target behind Hill and Waddle. It’ll be important for players such as wide receivers Robbie Chosen and Cedrick Wilson Jr. to impress vs. Atlanta. It’d be helpful if Erik Ezukanma, who has been sidelined the previous two practices, returns to action because he’s also in the battle for the No. 3 spot. The same goes for rookie running back De’Von Achane, who missed Saturday’s scrimmage.
Dolphins LGs vs. Falcons DE Grady Jarrett
Liam Eichenberg remains the starter, as far as we know, but Isaiah Wynn might be gaining ground. Robert Jones, who has received equal snaps at right guard, no longer seems a threat to start. Jarrett, a 30-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl selection, is a strong all-around defender (his 6.0 sacks were tied for second-best in his eight-year career) who is known for going hard in practice.
Dolphins S/LBs vs. Falcons TE Kyle Pitts
A number of defenders might be responsible for Pitts, one of the league’s rising stars before a season-ending knee injury last year, depending on the personnel group and whether the Dolphins are in zone or man-to-man. So keep an eye on safety Jevon Holland and linebackers Jerome Baker and David Long Jr. Also keep in mind the availability of Elliott, fellow safeties Brandon Jones and Trill Williams, and linebackers Duke Riley and Malik Reed could be in question. None participated in Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage.
Dolphins No. 2 LT candidates vs. Falcons DL
It appears Kendall Lamm is the top candidate for the backup job behind Armstead, but Cedric Ogbuehi is also in the mix. And we’ve seen Wynn get some action there, too. With Armstead’s status questionable, most likely the candidates for the backup job will get lots of action this week.