The best news about the third week of the preseason is that it's the nearest thing any presentation diversion could be to a standard season matchup. So when the Atlanta Falcons go to Orlando to go up against the Miami Dolphins Thursday night, it ought to highlight an overwhelming measurements of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Ryan Tannehill and whatever remains of the starters from every group.
The Miami Dolphins will “host” the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night in a nationally televised game in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium (previously the Orlando Citrus Bowl). This is the third preseason game for both teams, which is typically used as the dress rehearsal game for the start of the regular season. That will mean the starters for both teams will likely play throughout the first half, and possibly come back out after halftime to begin the third quarter. The Dolphins will be looking for their defense to respond after a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week, especially as they look to shore up the run defense. Miami’s strength this year should be the defense, but concerns are mounting as the summer continues and a regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks is under three weeks away. The offense, meanwhile, is starting to find their rhythm, but now needs to prove they can do it consistently and that they can do it against the starting defense for opposing teams. There are still questions that need to be answered for Miami’s offense, including position battles at guard (Laremy Tunsil, Dallas Thomas, Jermon Bushrod, and Billy Turner) and running back (Arian Foster and Jay Ajayi). Below, you will find everything you need to know to watch the contest:
How to watch
Time: 8 p.m. ET Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando TV: NBC Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth Online: >> Official NFL Game Pass
By the way, you did read that correctly -- the game is taking place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando instead of Miami. The NFL announced, on the heels of the decision to move the Pro Bowl to Orlando following the 2016 season, that this preseason matchup between the Falcons and Dolphins would also be moved to the neutral site. Even though fans should expect to see most starters for at least the first half, not everyone will be in action. The Falcons have already confirmed that longtime kicker Matt Bryant, who ended up on injured reserve last season with a hamstring issue and has been held out of several practices, will not take the field against the Dolphins. Atlanta signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham Saturday, and Graham will take over kicking duties against the Dolphins. Linebacker Vic Beasley and punter Matt Bosher have both been working their way back from injuries, but Dan Quinn anticipates both will play against Miami. For the Dolphins, it's time to figure out the best course of action after losing center Mike Pouncey for the remainder of the preseason with a hip injury. Anthony Steen, a former guard, will step up and play center in a game for the first time in his NFL career. The Dolphins will also be missing second-round cornerback Xavien Howard on Thursday. Atlanta's starting offense got off to a rocky start in Week 1 of the preseason against Washington, but bounced back against the Browns last week. The team struggled last season, particularly in the red zone, as a result of adapting to Kyle Shanahan's offense, and extended playing time against the Dolphins should provide a better sense of how the unit has settled into that scheme over the course of this offseason. Letting Matt Ryan and company get into a rhythm with more snaps should also help. The biggest issue for Atlanta's defense is, and has been, the pass rush, and the Dolphins' opponents have sacked Miami's quarterbacks seven times so far in two preseason games. It presents an opportunity for the Falcons to generate some pressure on Ryan Tannehill and show some improvement in this area. Miami's offense improved against the Cowboys in Week 2 after a lackluster preseason opener against the Giants. The Tannehill to Kenny Stills connection was solid, with Tannehill hitting Stills for touchdowns twice in five offensive series. First-round offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil got the start last week against the Cowboys, and he should be out there with the starters once again against the Falcons. For the Dolphins' defense, players like Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman present a real challenge, because this unit has had tackling issues. Against the Cowboys, Miami gave up 433 yards of total offense, 300 of which came in the first half. There were many missed tackles en route to a 41-14 loss to Dallas, and Atlanta's explosive players will take advantage if the Dolphins don't tighten up for Week 3.
How to watch
Time: 8 p.m. ET Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando TV: NBC Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth Online: NFL Game Pass
Falcons (2-0) at Dolphins (1-1)
Orlando, Florida
Preseason Week 3
Thursday, August 25
Game time: 8pm ET Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida Weather: 82°F, Partly Cloudy National TV Coverage: NBC TV Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth Radio Network: Full Miami Dolphins Radio Network stations Online streaming: NFL GamePass will allow you to stream any of the preseason games. The package for the entire season will include on-demand replays of the regular season games, and it does have an associated cost. However, you can sign up for a free trial right now to be able to see this week’s preseason games. NFL Network replay: 1pm Friday, August 26 Odds: Dolphins -2.5 | O/U: 43.5 Enemy blog: The Falcoholic | Twitter: @TheFalcoholic Phinsider on Twitter: @ThePhinsider Phinsider on Facebook:Facebook.com/ThePhinsider All-time Head-to-Head: Dolphins 8-4 (Regular season) Last Matchup: Dolphins 27-23 @ Miami (Week 3, 2013) Current Streak: Dolphins 1 win (2013)
Dolphins preseason schedule:
Week 1 (Aug 12) - @ New York Giants - W 27-10
Week 2 (Aug 19) - @ Dallas Cowboys - L 41-14
Week 3 (Aug 25) - vs. Atlanta Falcons (Orlando) - 8pm ET
Week 4 (Sep 1) - vs. Tennessee Titans - 7pm ET