Falcons Brace for Familiar Challenge Against McDaniel’s Dolphins
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a matchup that feels strikingly reminiscent of their recent battle with the San Francisco 49ers. As they prepare to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 8, the Falcons will once again encounter a potent offense influenced by Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree, but this time with a distinct South Florida flair.
Despite their current 1-6 record, the Dolphins present a formidable challenge under head coach Mike McDaniel, whose innovative approach to the game has drawn from his extensive experience with Shanahan. Having worked alongside him at various stops from 2011 to 2021, McDaniel has infused his own creativity into a system that Atlanta will recognize.
Familiarity Breeds Preparation
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich acknowledged the similarities between the two offenses. “There are some familiar concepts that are universal to that tree of coaching,” he explained. “Mike has definitely branched off. From a run game perspective, he employs a lot of motion and formation variety, along with a diverse set of personnel groupings. His creativity is evident, and that’s not to dismiss Kyle’s ingenuity; they both know how to exploit matchups and angles in the run game.”
While this familiarity could aid the Falcons in their preparation, it doesn’t guarantee success. Miami’s offense is anchored in the same wide-zone principles that Atlanta just encountered, but McDaniel has added his own twists that capitalize on one critical element: sheer speed.
Speed Kills
Even without superstar Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins boast an explosive lineup featuring Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, and running back De’Von Achane. Each of these players has the ability to turn a simple swing pass into a game-changing play, showcasing the type of speed that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
Ulbrich emphasized the evolution of McDaniel’s passing game, highlighting how it is designed to maximize the talents of players like Waddle. “When you have guys like Tyreek and Jaylen, you need to get creative to get them in space and take full advantage of their speed,” he noted. “While the concepts might be similar to what we’ve seen before, the presentation, motions, and formations are distinctly different.”
The Dolphins’ pre-snap motions are crafted to confuse opposing linebackers and safeties, placing a premium on communication within Atlanta’s defense. Last week against San Francisco, the Falcons struggled with similar Shanahan-designed run concepts, which led to significant gains. Ulbrich expects Miami to utilize these strategies, particularly when they deploy their 21 personnel package, which features two running backs and one tight end.
Reviving 21 Personnel
Ulbrich commented on the rarity of teams utilizing 21 personnel consistently in today’s game. “They’re one of the few teams left in the league that still plays this way. Back when I played, it was common, but it’s not anymore. Miami is bringing it back,” he said.
A key player in this scheme is fullback Alec Ingold, who mirrors Kyle Juszczyk’s role in San Francisco. Ingold’s versatility allows him to line up in various positions—be it in the backfield, at tight end, or split wide—giving McDaniel the ability to disguise his offensive intentions effectively.
“Miami not only has a fullback, but they have a good one,” Ulbrich added. “He’s versatile, capable of executing traditional fullback duties while also contributing in the passing game due to his athleticism.”
Defensive Challenges Ahead
The challenge for the Falcons is not merely about countering specific offensive concepts; it’s about navigating the inherent flexibility of Miami’s strategy. Each snap can yield a different outcome, and every motion serves a definitive purpose. The Falcons experienced firsthand how quickly Shanahan-style plays can turn explosive with just one misstep.
“You can bet they’ll copy and paste some of the concepts from what they saw against us last week,” Ulbrich predicted. While the Dolphins may present different personnel and aesthetics, the core DNA of their offense remains familiar.
As the Falcons prepare to face this speedy and dynamic Dolphins offense, they must remain vigilant. With key defensive player Divine Deablo sidelined indefinitely, the stakes are high. For Atlanta to reclaim momentum and strive for a winning record, they must be ready to meet this challenge head-on.
