5 keys for the Dolphins to beat the Falcons in Week 7
With the 2-3 Atlanta Falcons coming to town, the 1-5 Miami Dolphins have an opportunity to earn their second victory of the season in Week 7.
Brian Flores’ team has struggled early in 2021, and this is the time when negativity starts to set in. They’ve done a great job of ignoring the outside noise and gloom that’s surrounding them, and that will be something that they will need to continue as long as they are battling.
Atlanta, however, isn’t an opponent that can be overlooked. They have some really talented players and a new coach who is hungry to prove that he belongs in this league.
Here are five keys for the Dolphins to secure a win against the Falcons.
Limit the role of Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley.
The explosive nature of the Falcons offense would come from the rookie tight end and stud wideout. Neither player has broken out to be a superstar just yet, but they both have the potential to do so.
It would make sense that the Dolphins would put their two best coverage guys on them, Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. However, both cornerbacks are dealing with injuries right now that kept them out of the Week 6 game against Jacksonville.
They could use Jevon Holland on Pitts as well, but with Pitts’ athleticism, he could have Holland chasing all day.
Stop their secret weapon.
Cordarrelle Patterson has had an amazing start to the year with Atlanta. Through five games, the versatile weapon has totaled 173 yards and one touchdown on the ground while adding 25 receptions for 295 yards and four touchdowns in the passing game.
The former first-round pick has always been solid on special teams, as he’s tied for the NFL record for most career kick return touchdowns, but this year he’s on pace for his best offensive season yet.
Miami can’t forget about Patterson like other teams have this year.
Continue to use the two best offensive weapons.
Last week, the Dolphins’ offense relied heavily on Mike Gesicki and Jaylen Waddle. While it didn’t result in a victory, they were extremely productive with 18 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns coming from just them.
Tua Tagovailoa seemed to be comfortable throwing to these guys and letting them do what they can after securing the catch. We’ll just have to hope Gesicki doesn’t attempt another ludicrous hurdle.
Call better plays.
It’s plain and simple. The Dolphins lost their Week 6 game against the Jaguars because of their play-calling. Whether it was their last offensive play of the game or the numerous questionable calls earlier, everyone was upset with George Godsey after the loss.
It’s pretty common knowledge that they’ve struggled to run the ball, but there needs to be an attempt at least. If they can run, it will make passing that much easier.
They have to be better.
Get some push on the line.
Watching last week’s game, it’s evident that the offensive line wasn’t as good as allowing no sacks would suggest. Tagovailoa was constantly pressured, and, while he adjusted well, you can’t expect him to be able to do that all of the time.
The line is also part of the reason that the Dolphins haven’t committed to running the ball. If guys are getting hit behind the line or there aren’t holes for backs to run through, the play is going to result in a small gain at best.
Atlanta’s defensive line shouldn’t scare Miami, but, as we’ve seen, that doesn’t mean anything.
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