The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A LOOK AT HOW UGA MAY WIN 10 GAMES THIS YEAR
Beasley, D. Jones can make push to start over Wheeler, Worrilow.
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons (2-0) are set for a regular-season dress rehearsal game against the Miami Dolphins (1-1) at 8 p.m. today at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn
Buccaneers at Falcons, 1 p.m., Sept. 11, Fox
plans to play some starters into the third quarter.
“We have not done an extensive game plan for the week,” Quinn said. “We wanted to stay about us, but the routine was very important to establish on how we’ll get ready.”
Here are five players to watch in a key exhibition game:
1. Vic Beasley, linebacker/ defensive end. The Falcons are trying to move Beasley to strongside linebacker in the base defense, but have only seen him in that spot for two snaps after
he was a late scratch in the second exhibition against Cleveland.
The Falcons still don’t know if Beasley can handle the new role. While he is set to rush from left defensive end in the nickel defense, he is not a lock at strongside linebacker anymore.
“Then also you have (Philip) Wheeler, who is a versatile player,” Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith said. “He’s playing (strongside) linebacker and it’s between him and Beasley on first-and-10.”
Beasley has a shoulder injury that is unrelated to the torn labrum he played with last season.
“We anticipate full participation for him in the game,” Quinn said. “He had a good comeback from his setback last week. We’re excited to see him, especially in nickel. We anticipate a good bit of throwing in this game.
“That’s been (Dolphins coach) Adam (Gase’s) history for sure. If they want to try to feature it in that way, then we want to be ready to play that way. Whatever style they want to go, then we’ll be ready, too.”
2. Deion Jones, middle linebacker. The rookie second-round pick from LSU has shown his speed and ability to diagnosis plays. But he has to finish with stronger tackling. He is contending with incumbent Paul Worrilow for the job.
“You’ve got a real good battle going on there,” Smith said, “because Worrilow has had a really good camp.”
3. Keanu Neal, strong safety. The Falcons firstround pick from Florida played 19 snaps and was not credited with a tackle in his NFL debut against Cleveland. The Falcons would like to see a more imposing physical presence.
Neal, who will be covering some running backs and tight ends, was beaten for a 29-yard touchdown pass against Cleveland on a nice throw from Robert Griffin III to Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge.
Dolphins tight end Jordan Cameron, a former Pro Bowler, should present Neal with another stiff challenge.
4. Chris Chester, left guard. The Falcons faced the Dolphins in the third exhibition game last season when they started Mike Person at left guard, James Stone at center and Chester at right guard. Chester is the lone returning starter of the interior group that was manhandled that night.
The Dolphins held the Falcons to 2.1 yards rushing per carry, had six sacks, eight quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss.
Left guard Andy Levitre, center Alex Mack and Chester will face defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell.
“We are showing a lot of grit out there,” Chester said. “We’ve got a ways to go, but we’re definitely headed in the right direction.”
5. Desmond Trufant, cornerback. The Falcons weren’t too concerned about Trufant getting beat deep for a 50-yard touchdown pass against Cleveland. But expect the Dolphins to take a shot or two.
“This guy is a veteran football player and you watch the way that he practices and competes,” Smith said. “That’s why he’s a Pro Bowl player.”