Falcons vs Dolphins: Predicting the Match Ups

Dolphins pass offense: 14
Falcons pass defense: 29

The more I watch the Dolphins passing attack, the more I think there are few teams that can keep up with the different looks that can come from Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Charles Clay, and the running backs. It's hard to match up against all of those options when you are healthy; the Falcons are not.

Dolphins rush offense: 28
Falcons rush defense: 9

The Miami rushing attack was better last week, but still was not anything special. The Atlanta run defense, meanwhile, has been strong early in the season. Until Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, and the offensive line can prove differently, I think the edge has to be with opposing rush defenses this year.

Falcons pass offense: 6
Dolphins pass defense: 20

This is another area where injuries come into play. Roddy White has been dealing with a high ankle sprain all season, but has been playing. Julio Jones was listed as "questionable" this week, but should be playing. Add in future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, and the Falcons have a pass offense full of weapons. How healthy are they though?

On the other hand, the Dolphins will be dealing with no Dimitri Patterson at cornerback again, and may or may not have Chris Clemons. Jamar Taylor and Will Davis could be back, but it would be a tough test for the rookies. Brent Grimes might be able to make this an even match up, but I think the Falcons have the edge for now.

Falcons rush offense: 26
Dolphins rush defense: 13

This could have been a good test for Miami, where the defensive strength is against the run. Instead of facing Steven Jackson, however, the team will deal with Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling. While both of those guys have talenet and could break out, the Miami run defense should be better.

Caleb Sturgis is a better kicker than Matt Bryant. The 2012 Brandon Fields was better than Matt Bosher, but Bosher is better, statistically, this year. I'll give the slight edge to Miami based on what Fields can do and that Sturgis is a better kicker.