Five matchups to monitor during the Dolphins’ joint practices with the Falcons

After two weeks of intrasquad practices to start training camp, the Dolphins will face off against another team for the first time. Miami is hosting the Atlanta Falcons at the Baptist Health Training Complex, starting Tuesday, for a pair of joint practices ahead of the teams’ preseason opener at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday.

“The main part is that we’re there to work together, to orchestrate a high-octane football practice,” coach Mike McDaniel said on Saturday. “And it’s a great chance for a lot of guys to compete against people that have different skill sets, sizes, and statures. As well as some young guys, you get to play in front of another organization.

“So, we have [a 90-man roster in training camp], we have 53-plus 16 [practice squad players in the regular season]. There’s math there and you don’t know who it’s going to be, you don’t know what, but those opportunities are premier really for a guy’s career. I know in my career, I’ll share with them that there’s been several times that we’ve ended up signing players that we’ve gone against in joint practices. Those types of things are invaluable.”

Here are five matchups to watch during joint practices.

Dolphins safeties vs. TE Kyle Pitts

The Dolphins got an early look at Pitts in his rookie year. The team hosted Atlanta for joint practices in 2021 ahead of their preseason game and then played the Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium in Week 7. In the 30-28 Atlanta win, Pitts caught seven passes for 163 yards, including a 28-yard reception to set up the game-winning field goal.

Pitts, one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL, has been limited in practice as he works his way back from knee surgery. But if he’s able to participate in 11-on-11s, he will pose a great test for the Dolphins’ safeties. Eric Rowe, who for many years matched up against tight ends, is no longer on the team. And Miami is still trying to find out who will emerge as the starter opposite Jevon Holland. DeShon Elliott did not practice Saturday because of an undisclosed injury. Brandon Jones and Trill Williams have been wearing red, non-contact jerseys for the past week, so it’s unclear how much they will do in joint practices.

Dolphins cornerbacks vs. WR Drake London

Matching up against wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle every day is a test of endurance, as Miami has two of the fastest receivers in the league. But Atlanta’s top receiver provides a different skill set for the Dolphins’ cornerbacks. At 6-4 and 213 pounds, London is a physical pass-catcher who thrives in contested catch situations. Cam Smith, Noah Igbinoghene and Eli Apple have all fared well as they compete for snaps to replace Jalen Ramsey. They should get their share of reps against the talented second-year player.

Dolphins interior DL vs. RG Chris Lindstrom

The Dolphins’ defensive front — and the interior linemen, in particular — have been disruptive forces for Miami’s offensive line. It’s often been a one-sided affair featuring multiple players crashing into the backfield to mess up the timing of plays. They’ll get an opportunity to continue their strong play against a top interior offensive lineman in Lindstrom.

The All-Pro signed a five-year, $105 million extension in the offseason, a sign of his standing as one of the elite guards in the NFL. It’d be a good sign for the Dolphins to see players such as Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis hold their own against a player of Lindstrom’s caliber.

Dolphins interior OL vs. DL Grady Jarrett

There won’t be any downgrade in competition for the Dolphins’ offensive line during joint practices. After struggling against their own defensive line, Miami’s offensive linemen will try to block another top interior lineman, Grady Jarrett.

There’s a chance that Calais Campbell, one of Atlanta’s top offseason acquisitions, could also participate in joint practices after starting on the non-football-injury list. Falcons coach Arthur Smith told local reporters that the 36-year-old is trending in the right direction but it’s unclear if he will be ready for the intersquad sessions. If he is, Campbell is a powerful defender with the length to give offensive linemen trouble.

The competition for left guard is in the spotlight after Liam Eichenberg’s struggles and Isaiah Wynn’s comments that he’s been lining up at guard. This matchup is an opportunity for a player to separate themselves from the other contenders.

Dolphins WRs Tyreek Hill/Jaylen Waddle vs. CB AJ Terrell

One of the best matchups during Dolphins practice daily is Hill and Waddle going up against Howard. And with the Falcons in South Florida, the two receivers will be able to go head-to-head with another top cover corner in Terrell.

Hill and Waddle’s reps have been limited as the team rotates a bevy of pass-catchers during 11-on-11s, but they should get some snaps against Terrell, whether it be in one-on-ones or team drills. It’s been a quieter start to camp for the duo, compared to last year. Can they combine for some explosive plays during joint practices?