Saturday's preseason matchup at Sun Life Stadium will provide a good test for a Falcons offense that currently ranks third in the NFL in scoring (26.5 ppg) entering Week 3 of the 2015 preseason
The Dolphins' pass rush made some noise during the 2014 season as they ranked sixth in the NFL in pass defense last season, allowing 222.3 yards per game.
Miami continued to load up on talent on the defensive line this offseason with the splash signing of Ndamukong Suh, a four-time Pro Bowler, following a season where he recorded 8. 5 sacks with the Detroit Lions. Suh's dominating style of play can be an absolute headache for a quarterback, and Falcons signal-caller Matt Ryan is no stranger to that notion.
"I think it's a great opportunity for us anytime we get to go, but obviously I have played against Ndamukong Suh a number of times in my career," Ryan said. "You know that he's a special player, and he's tough to go against. You have to know where he's at, he's one of those guys in this league that you have to account for where he's at."
It's not just Suh that needs to be accounted for; the Dolphins have other weapons at defensive end. Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon combined for 18 sacks during the 2014 season.
As the Falcons' offensive line continues to develop continuity, veteran guard Chris Chester knows exactly what is necessary to be successful against a defensive line that has great speed and interior power. "You have to be sound in your fundamentals because of their athleticism and strength," Chester said. "They force guys out of position, so you have to stick to your fundamentals."
