If the Atlanta Falcons are going to end a seven-year postseason drought, a victory on Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins is likely paramount.
In the heart of a competitive NFC, Atlanta (3-3) has battled inconsistency through six games, earning wins over reigning conference finalists in Washington and Buffalo, but also suffering a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers and most recently a 20-10 setback at San Francisco.
With the reeling Dolphins in town, the Falcons are favored in the interconference matchup, but believe Miami (1-6) is better than its record indicates.
“You’re talking about a team with great speed, similar to the team we just played,” Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris said of the Dolphins. “You’re not looking at a team that hasn’t played everybody extremely tough. I think they had one game they played poorly, very similar to us. We’re going to play against an NFL team that’s very good and well-coached.”
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a bone bruise against the 49ers and has been limited in practice. Whether Penix suits up or not, the Falcons will look to exploit Miami’s putrid run defense (last in the NFL with 159.3 rushing yards per game). Running back Bijan Robinson — the league leader in all-purpose yards per game (152.3) — was held to just 40 rushing yards last week.
Atlanta’s defense, which ranks second in the NFL in total defense (265.2 yards per game), will have to overcome the blow of losing one of its core members. Linebacker Divine Deablo had impressed in his first season for the Falcons before suffering a fractured forearm in the loss to the 49ers.
In his place, JD Bertrand has the confidence of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who understands replacing Deablo won’t be an easy feat.
“It’s going to be kind of replace him by committee,” Ulbrich said of Deablo. “As we all know, he’s unique. From an athletic standpoint, he’s very DB-ish. From a size standpoint, he’s very linebacker. … From an execution standpoint, (Bertrand’s) virtually flawless. We’re very fortunate to have a guy like him. He’s a backup for us but definitely has starter ability.”
Miami has dropped three straight games and is coming off a lethargic 31-6 loss to the previously one-win Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa produced the worst passer rating (24.1) of his five-plus-year career, throwing for 100 yards and three interceptions before being benched for rookie Quinn Ewers.
As the Dolphins’ season continues to unravel, head coach Mike McDaniel’s faith in his QB hasn’t been lost.
“I think there’s zero uncertainty in my belief in Tua,” McDaniel said. “I think we’re both eager to do better at our jobs and we’re both trusting in each other to respond to do what’s necessary for the team.”
Tagovailoa’s poor play is far from the only facet that has plagued Miami this season. The Dolphins are 29th in both rushing yards allowed per attempt (5.2) and scoring defense (29.3).
Off to the worst start in the McDaniel era in Miami, the fourth-year coach knows it falls upon him to pull his team out of the rut.
“I don’t think you’re called upon as a leader as much when there’s high-fives,” McDaniel said. “I think my job is the realest when you’re going through adverse situations. It’s not my first, nor will it be my last, losing streak. That’s the NFL. It’s a big boy league and it gets tough. I signed up for the tough parts.”
Atlanta wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring), running back Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee), cornerback Mike Ford (calf), tackle Jake Matthews (ankle) and defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee) were limited in practice. Edge rusher Jalon Walker (groin) and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) didn’t practice Wednesday.
Miami tight end Julian Hill (ankle) and defensive back Elijah Campbell (quad) were non-participants on Wednesday, while starting center Aaron Brewer (pec) was limited.
