Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons
Friday, 8/12/11, 7:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Atlanta -3
Current Betting Line: Atlanta -2
Opening Total: 33.5
Current Total: 33
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Miami comes into the 2011 campaign after posting consecutive 7-9 seasons under fourth-year head coach Tony Sparano. He will need to coach this game at the Georgia Dome differently than in years past due to the 136-day NFL lockout wreaking havoc on player preparation. “I think when you look at the first preseason game from other years you have a pretty good idea of how far down the road you were from an install standpoint,” Sparano commented. The Dolphins coaching staff has already come out and said its offensive approach tonight is expected to be vanilla in style, which is expected with a lot of new faces on the practice field. Miami has tallied a 10-4 ATS mark when playing as a road underdog the past two seasons.
The Dolphins would normally have 20 practices under their belts heading into the exhibition opener, but that’s certainly not the case in 2011, as they head into hostile territory having practiced just 11 times. Quarterback Chad Henne is expected to start and will likely try to connect with star wide receiver Brandon Marshall early in the contest. One player that will not see any action is tackle Jake Long, who is still on the physically unable to perform list. Some players will definitely grow from this experience, including first-round pick Mike Pouncey at center.
Atlanta will be facing Miami for the second consecutive preseason after picking up a 16-6 road win last year. The Falcons have posted a winning record in exhibition action since the 2004 season and are 6-6 under the direction of current head coach Mike Smith. Since Smith has manned the sidelines, the squad is also a dominating 20-4 at the Georgia Dome, which is the second-best home mark over that span. It’s safe to say that the franchise is ready to make the next step after finishing last year with the best record in the NFC, only to be knocked out of the playoffs by eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay.
The Falcons are eager to see first-round draft pick Julio Jones on the field tonight, as he’ll be lining up opposite Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White this season. Atlanta gave up a ton of future picks in order to draft Jones with the No. 6 pick of this year’s draft. “Julio has a great understanding of how to run routes and how to get open,” said Falcons starting quarterback Matt Ryan. “He’s probably picked it up as fast as anybody I’ve been around.” Both players worked together during the lockout and the chemistry is likely to be evident early in the 2011 campaign.
Don’t miss out on an exciting season and let the NFL handicappers at Maddux Sports provide you with incredible profits. Get a long term package today!
