Aug 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Dallas Thomas (70) blocks Houston Texans nose tackle Terrell McClain (97) during the game at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Dolphins 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins take on the Atlanta Falcons in their third preseason game on Saturday, the last of which with any significance.
The offensive line will be under a microscope on Saturday as the team will likely be without starting left tackle Branden Albert and backup Jason Fox. Dallas Thomas is expected to slide over to left tackle where he'll be tested often.
Along with the offensive line, here are three position groups to keep an eye on against the Falcons.
The questionable offensive line
The Dolphins' offensive line has been a big question mark all throughout training camp as they try to find a solid combination of starters up front. Center Mike Pouncey is the most consistent and reliable starter, but beyond that, the caliber of play is inconsistent. Billy Turner is entrenched as the starting right guard and should see a lot of playing time on Saturday -- as should the entire offensive line. Rookie Jamil Douglas will likely step in for Thomas at left guard as he slides over to left tackle for the time being, giving the coaching staff a look at what they have in the rookie. It will be interesting to see how the offensive line holds up against the Falcons' starters. It will be telling for how the line will play in the regular season as they hope to keep Ryan Tannehill upright more often.
The battle at cornerback
Beyond Brent Grimes at cornerback, the Dolphins are looking for playmakers. Presumed No. 2 cornerback Jamar Taylor is still sidelined with a quad injury, meaning a guy like Brice McCain will need to step up against the Falcons. McCain has primarily worked as a nickel corner, but without Taylor in the game, his role will be increased. Will Davis and Zack Bowman will also see increased playing time without Taylor in the fold. It won't be easy for them to match up against the Falcons' great group of receivers, but it can only help their development. A strong pass rush will help the secondary Saturday and throughout the season. Keep a close eye on the defensive backfield Saturday as it will give a glimpse at what you can expect this year.
Kenny Stills and the wide receivers
Wide receiver is arguably the Dolphins' deepest position group on the roster. Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills, and the currently-injured DeVante Parker will give Tannehill a great group of targets on the outside, but they need to get into a rhythm before the season begins -- Stills in particular. He's missed time in training camp due to injury but on Saturday he will be on the field early and often. Being a deep threat, timing and chemistry is important between him and Tannehill, and we'll get to see how they've progressed against the Falcons. Parker won't be on the field as he's still recovering from foot surgery, which will allow a guy like Rishard Matthews to make an impact. The starters should play most of the first half, and with the way Tannehill's playing, there could be a boatload of points scored.
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