The Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins are two teams aiming for major bounce-back years in 2015. The Falcons are entering a new era of the franchise with Dan Quinn as their head coach while the Dolphins have designated Ryan Tannehill as their franchise quarterback with a long-term extension and now they are both working to try and even out the wrinkles heading into the regular season.
For the Falcons, the third preseason game welcomes the debut of rookie Tevin Coleman. The running back has been out for almost all of training camp with a hamstring injury along with Devonta Freeman. New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is aiming to make the ground game a major priority in 2015, but having his two star running backs out with injuries have hurt that effort. Coleman comes in with high expectations as many predict he could be a home run hit this year for the Falcons.
Roddy White will not be playing in the game on Saturday along with Desmond Trufant or William Moore. White underwent elbow surgery and is expected to be back by Week 1 of the regular season. In his place, Devin Hester, Leonard Hankerson and Justin Hardy are competing for time in the rotation. So far the preseason has been the Julio Jones show, so Matt Ryan will try and work in some new faces in the next couple of weeks before the year begins.
The Dolphins are also working out offensive issues. The team's offensive line is not exactly overwhelming at the moment and while Tannehill stresses he feels safe behind the unit, that will be tested with the Falcons new and improved pass rush led by Vic Beasley and Adrian Clayborn. The Falcons' secondary will be tested as the Dolphins come in with a successful group of receivers. Led by Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings are taking over while DeVante Parker returns from injury. The rookie is on track to play Week 1 of the season following foot surgery. However, in his place is Stills who is thriving thanks to the arm of Tannehill. The Dolphins will work to keep the chemistry going into the new year.