The Atlanta Falcons play their third game of the preseason at 7 p.m. ET Saturday vs. the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Here’s a couple things to watch for during the game:
Why watch: Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn said rookie running back Tevin Coleman, who suffered a left hamstring strain during the first week of training camp, should be "ready to rock" against the Dolphins barring any last-minute setbacks before kickoff. Coleman's debut is much-anticipated, considering he's been touted as a serious challenger for the starting running back role. Before both Coleman and Devonta Freeman suffered hamstring injuries, Freeman was well in front in the race. And with Freeman unlikely to play in Miami, Coleman has a chance to make up some ground with a strong performance. It won't be easy against a Dolphins defense led by arguably the most dominant defensive tackle in the league, Ndamukong Suh. The Falcons haven't really gotten their running game going this preseason without Coleman and Freeman in the lineup and with Antone Smith sidelined by his own hamstring strain after the first preseason game. Through two preseason games, the Falcons averaged 1.9 yards per carry on 53 rushes with Jerome Smith, Michael Ford, Antone Smith and Terron Ward combining for 48 of those carries.
Also, watch the Falcons' offensive line to see how they carrying out the zone-blocking scheme to open holes for Coleman, as well as how the line pass-protects against Suh, Cameron Wake and company.
Did you know: The most receptions any Falcons wide receiver ever had in one game against the Dolphins was nine by Julio Jones on Sept. 22, 2013. He had 115 receiving yards that day but the Dolphins won 27-23.
