MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Mike Davis finished his work as Falcons running back on Wednesday afternoon and quickly donned another hat. He joined the team's press core, creeping up from the back in time to ask quarterback Matt Ryan a question.
"I just want to know," Davis said, "how are you working on your speed?"
This was certainty a reference to an earlier Ryan press conference where he discussed how he's working to bring #MattyWheels out more often.
Ryan's could sense the ribbing and fired back with a zinger.
"Every day I watch our running backs, how they condition and how they run," he said. "I watch their technique. I watch Mike Davis and what he does, then I try and do the opposite."
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He knows Davis does his job pretty darn well. We've seen that in bursts during training camp, though it's tough to get a complete progress report on him and the Falcons running game without live tackling.
Live tackling isn't always good for feature backs. They take enough punishment as it is when games count. They don't need any more in ultimately irrelevant contests.
That's why this week's joint practices against the Miami Dolphins are valuable to Davis and the Falcons run game. Intensity cranks up in these situations, especially against a defensive scheme they don't know well, so there's more to glean from these sessions than a standard camp practice.
"I thought it went well," Davis said. "It was nice to practice this way, especially for the guys who haven't played in the preseason.
"...It felt good, honestly, whether the gain was zero or 20, to go against somebody else. Overall, I think our line did a pretty good job."
They won't eliminate head coach Arthur Smith's desire to see Davis work in a preseason game. It's uncertain if Saturday's content against the Dolphins is he time to get that work in. The Falcons are a bit off schedule when it comes to evaluating backs, considering how much the rushing operation struggled last week against the Tennessee Titans.
"We've got to execute better, but I really didn't think that was a fair assessment of the running backs with Caleb [Huntley], or Hawk [Javian Hawkins] or [D'Onta] Foreman," Smith said earlier this week. "We just didn't get enough carries, I mean we were in a lot of second-and-longs, kind of forced a couple runs just to get a couple in there. We've got to do a better job of staying on track so we can get an evaluation of him running. And then obviously third down will be critical in the pass game, protection wise and what they can do free releasing from the backfield."
That creates some uncertainty about who will get carries against Miami.
"We need to see Mike run in the preseason, same with CP [Cordarrelle Patterson] and with some of those vets," Smith said. "If we feel good about them, fair is fair. We're not going to be able to get all six running backs 10-plus carries. That's kind of the decision, see how this week goes and evaluate how the other guys are doing, alright who needs to get carries Saturday night?"
Davis wouldn't specify how much work he needs to prep for the regular season. He did say he's ready whenever.
"Is there a number in my head? No," Davis said. "Going into Year 7, I can't tell you anything specific. All I know is that I'm prepared for whatever coaches ask me to do."
The Atlanta Falcons are in Miami participating in joint practices with the Dolphins leading up to the second preseason game on Saturday.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 runs during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Clouds reflect in a helmet during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons tight end Ryan Becker #80 makes a catch during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews #70 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 looks on during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons tight end Parker Hesse #46 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Antonio Nunn #86 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 makes a catch during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Trevor Davis #83 reaches for the ball during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks on during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 runs during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham #95 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes a snap during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Trevor Davis #83 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 looks on during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Running backs coach Desmond Kitchings brings in the huddle during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 makes a catch during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 smiles during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 smiles during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 stretches during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 runs during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 runs during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 listens to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 warms up xduring joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Brandon Copeland #51 looks on during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 warms up during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons stretch during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 looks during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back D'Onta Foreman #38 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 looks on during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 in action during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 walks during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Trevor Davis #83 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 flips his hair during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 works during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday August 18, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
