Miami Dolphins CB Byron Maxwell
Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Maxwell is unable to stop Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant from catching a pass for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
#41
6-foot-1, 203 pounds
Clemson, 6th season
Pro Football Focus 2015 position rank: 77
Scouting Notes: Byron Maxwell did not have a good season in Philadelphia and did not have a very good outing matched against Dez Bryant of the Cowboys last week. The challenge gets no easier this week. Maxwell feels the transition to the Dolphins press scheme is a better match for his skill set and that the pass rush he expects Miami’s highly-paid defensive line will generate will make his job easier. Former Eagles president
Joe Banner once questioned Maxwell’s effort and toughness. On one touchdown scored by the Cowboys last week, Maxwell was unable to shed himself of a block to attempt a tackle and was (video link)
beaten by Bryant for a touchdown. Eagles coaches said Maxwell did not have consistent proper technique. At his best, Maxwell is physical and creates turnovers. Tonight is another chance for Maxwell to show he can lead an underwhelming Miami cornerback group.
“Julio (Jones) moves around. I will take the same approach against them as I do every week. He’s proven. He’s a superstar. And his talent is the best in the league. So you know you’ve got to bring your best. ” — Dolphins CB Byron Maxwell
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones runs a route against the New York Giants during an NFL game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Brad Penner)
#11
6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Alabama, 6th season
Pro Football Focus 2015 position rank: 2
Scouting Notes: Julio Jones wins routes, outruns defensive backs, catches everything thrown his way, has tremendous body control and leaping ability and creates yards after the catch. Other than that, he’s just another guy. Quarterback Matt Ryan, understandably, looks to Jones about as much as Ryan Tannehill, understandably, looks to Jarvis Landry. Jones will move all around the field, which is why Miami had a player wearing a number 11 and basically moving all around the field in practice this week. Jones can take a screen pass the distance and stretch the field with his explosive speed. Last year, when the Falcons met Eagles and Maxwell, Jones posted 9 catches for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns. Watch
this video link to see Jones beat Maxwell for a touchdown and another long passs. Maxwell led the Eagles with 10 tackles that day.
“We can’t go out there and try to ease our way into things because, with the third preseason game, the ones usually play the first half. So when we get out there, we have to get rolling.” – Falcons WR Julio Jones
