KEYS TO THE GAME

Apply pressure to Falcons QB Matt Ryan: Ryan has started 210 games in his 14 seasons as an NFL starter, so there’s very little the Dolphins defense can show him on Sunday that he hasn’t already seen. He’s been sacked 40 or more times a season since 2018, but has only been taken down eight times in fives games so far. The Falcons rank sixth when it comes to sacks allowed per passing play.

Win on third downs:

Last year, the Dolphins had the NFL’s best third-down defense, limiting opponents to a 31.2 percent conversion rate. After six games this season, the Dolphins have the league’s second worst third-down defense, allowing opponents to covert 52.4 percent on that critical down. And that’s a boost from 57.1, which Miami had coming into the Jacksonville game before holding the Jaguars offense to a 3-of-12 conversion rate. Miami’s offense also needs to become more efficient converting third downs.

Contain Atlanta’s tailbacks:

The Dolphins held an opponent to fewer than 100 rushing yards for the first time all season last Sunday, limiting the run-heavy Jaguars to 84 yards and one rushing touchdowns on 19 carries. Miami needs to double down on that with some stingy run defense against the Falcons, whose rushing attack is led by Mike Davis (3.3 yards per carry) former NFL receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, who has shifted to more of a tailback role.

Protect the quarterback:

Small victories in losses are all the Dolphins have to build on during this five-game losing streak, and the fact last Sunday’s performance against Jacksonville was the first outing where the offensive line didn’t allow a sack is a step in the right direction. Pressure was still coming, but Tua Tagovailoa got the ball out his hand quickly, and evaded a couple of sacks.

Get touchdowns, not field goals:

If the Dolphins would have taken advantage of its scoring opportunities against the Jaguars the score would have been, 21-10, at the half, and the Jaguars would have probably pressed the panic button in the second half. Last season Miami was the highest-scoring first-quarter offense in the NFL, and Tagovailoa’s efficient play had plenty to do with it.