Falcons Coach Smith Excited For Joint Practices With Dolphins

The Atlanta Falcons begin joint practices with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday.

The Atlanta Falcons will finally get to see an opposing team for the first time in training camp. 

Atlanta will be making the trip south to begin joint practices against the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday. The joint practices will culminate in their first preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. 

For Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, the joint practices will give him and his team a chance to get different looks along with playing in a different and more competitive setting.

The Dolphins made the playoffs after going 9-8 in 2022 and lost in the Wild Card round to the Buffalo Bills 34-31.

"Sometimes different schemes, looking forward to seeing – Miami is one of the faster teams," Smith said. "It’ll be good for us to see some of those matchups among other things. Just a different environment. They get a little more competitive. We've seen our guys now for about 10 days. We get down there and [it’s] just another evaluation tool. They've become a little more common, too. Everybody's got different philosophies on it."

With wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins' speed can't be replicated and will help prepare Atlanta's for teams with good speed in the regular season. It'll also present an opportunity for first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to see his defense against an opposing team for the first time. 

Of all the players to keep an eye on, Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is near the top of the list. He'll have a chance to face an improved Miami defense and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. If Ridder can have success throughout the week, it'll be a promising sign for Atlanta and its offense. 

Joint practices will also give Smith and the front office to evaluate players who may be on the bubble and are competing for a roster spot. 

With a more competitive environment, Smith will learn a lot more about his team compared to recent weeks. If the Falcons can hold their own against a team that has been touted as a potential Super Bowl contender, it'd be a great sign heading into this season. 

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