The WR vs DB match up for the Dolphins against the Falcons
this week will be one of the biggest tests for a young Miami secondary. Safety,
Reshad Jones came out on top with a spectacular game against the Titans.
Recording 7 tackles (6 solo), 0.5 sack and a fumble return for a touchdown.
Jones seems to always have a feel of where the ball is going to be but he is
still searching for his first INT this year. In week 5, Jones was graded the
highest safety according to PFF. Missing Tony Lippett and TJ McDonald
hurts the depth of this secondary, but these are the opportunities for our
other young DB’s to make their mark. Veteran, Byron Maxwell has not been
playing well and has been in the doghouse lately. Bobby McCain has been one of
our best corner this year according to PFF(coverage wise.) Cordrea Tankersley,
Xavien Howard and Nate Allen will also have to show up big against the Falcons
if Miami wants to come out with a win. Those three have much to prove still.
The secondary must aid the front seven of the Dolphins who are playing at a
really high level right now.
Covering Julio Jones is always a nightmare as he has
always been one of the top five receivers in this league. The Falcons also have
the help of Mohamed Sanu, Taylor Gabriel and Austin Hooper. Their receiving
corps is very talented and if the Miami Dolphins can pressure Matt Ryan enough
it will help the secondary make plays, which will set upour offense in
good field position. Xavien Howard has the 3rd most tackles on this team so
we’ll like to see a good performance from him. The young rookie out of Clemson
(Tankersley) seems more fit to cover Julio Jones because of his frame and
speed. Both of them though will be switching off Julio and for our corners, it
will be their biggest test thus far. Keeping Julio under 100 yards will be a
good start for our secondary. Lawrence Timmons has been rated one of the top 5
linebackers in the league right now (per PFF.) We can rely on Lawrence Timmons
and Kiko Alonso to cover east and west and down the field with their tremendous
speed at the linebacker position.
Going into this game with a 2-2 record and possibly coming out with a
win? This game can potentially be the boost that the Miami Dolphins need to get
the train going and rolling, like what we experienced last season. The Dolphins
defense has done an outstanding job so far even with a struggling offense. They
haven’t let any team score more than 20 points a game thus far. Keeping
opposing running backs under a 100 yards per game as well. If our secondary can
just hold it down, great things will happen and should help out the offense.
Quitting is never an option for the Dolphins. When the Fins stays poised, they
can win a lot of games.
