Dolphins' defense faces big challenge at Atlanta

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Sean Smith peered into the group of reporters interviewing his mentor Will Allen in the locker room Monday, one towel wrapped around the rookie's waist, another draped over his right shoulder, still dripping wet from the shower.

"I'm taking notes, dog," Smith said. "That's how it's done."

Smith is a quick learner. The Miami Dolphins only hope the rest of the newcomers on defense will be the same.

Buoyed by some promising rookies, Miami's defense carried the team to a perfect preseason. While that's hardly something to celebrate, it has given the unit confidence that was lacking at this time a year ago.
The Dolphins will find out how improved their defense really is in the regular-season opener Sunday, with Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and the Atlanta Falcons providing a much bigger challenge.

"They better be ready," Allen said of his rookie teammates. "I'd like to say they are, but we'll see."

For all it accomplished in the preseason, so much about Miami's defense remains unknown.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/wires/story/1221953.html

 

[3rdandinches]

It's also a test for our Offense in the sense that we should walk up and down the field against their defense. If we struggle against Atlanta's defense then we will be in for a very long season.

 

[BenchFiedler]

I'm worried about the secondary defending the TE

 

[FinsNCanes]

If we can keep ATL under 21 points we should win. There is no reason we shouldn't score atleast 17-21 points against ATL D.

 

[Finfang]

I'm worried about the secondary defending the TE

In the 3-4 that is primarily the ILB's job if the TE is on his side. I don't worry as much about Ayodele but Crowder covering Gonzalez is a big time mismatch.

We have got to get pressure on Ryan or he could kill us. Atlanta knows this. Look for them to attack early with the short drop and a short passing game.

 

[Ross]

Yeah well Wilson won't help out much on the TE. At least not in coverage. He wasn't a cover guy before he got here so no surprise there.

I'm more worried about their rushing attack.