Atlanta Falcons: Previewing Key Matchups vs Miami Dolphins
By Sunny Minhas
Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) before a play with center Joe Hawley (61) in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
How Will The Offensive Line Fare?
The offensive line had some tough tests against a stout Jets and Titans defensive line but the Dolphins bring a lot more pass rush potential than either of the aforementioned while maintaining the stoutness against the run.
More from Atlanta Falcons
- 2023 NFL Season: NFC South shaping up to be an exciting division
- 5 rookies to target for your Fantasy Football drafts In 2023
- 3 reasons why the Falcons can make NFC Championship Game
- Atlanta Falcons rookie pass rusher flashing early in training camp
- Ryan Tannehill to the Falcons feels inevitable at this point
Miami’s big money acquisition was one-man wrecking crew Ndamukong Suh, who joins 4-time pro bowler Cameron Wake to form a devastating duo. They are supplemented by Olivier Vernon, a decent complementary pass rusher in his own right and has accumulated 18 sacks over the last two seasons.
READ MORE ON SPIN ZONE: Olivier Vernon Profile
Just reading the names of the Dolphins’ starting defensive line may instil pressure but the offensive line should relish the moment. It is not often you get to face highly skilled men like Suh and Wake.
Many aren’t sold on Ryan Schraeder being the right tackle, so he gets a good opportunity to sway some skeptics. The beatdown he received from Charles Johnson probably still lingers in some minds but if he can show half the improvement he made from his rookie year to his 2nd year going into his 3rd year, he should turn out to be a very capable right tackle. It took a few games before long-time Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo won over the fans and it could be a similar case with Schraeder.
The greater difficulty will be handling Suh, who is just too strong, too quick and too violent for the majority of offensive lineman. It will be a tall order for the shaky interior of the offensive line, and Suh will surely require a center-guard double team.
Fortunately, we’ve seen the new system manufacture protection through play action, mis-direction and extra blockers. The team is depending a lot on Kyle Shanahan, who will need to mask the deficiencies of the offense. If left tackle Jake Matthews can continue to build his case that he can be left on an island, it won’t be appreciated more by anyone than Shanahan who can further scheme to help the rest of the lineman.
Next: Return of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman