The third week of the preseason is when teams ramp up their most realistic simulation of a regular season game before starters rest for the majority of the fourth week, if they even play at all. So, for the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins on Saturday night, it will be one more chance to fine-tune the starting units.
How to watch Falcons vs. Dolphins 2015 online, time and TV schedule
Ryan Tannehill and Matt Ryan will look to keep their great preseasons going on Saturday night.


While the Falcons have a 1-1 record so far in preseason and the Dolphins have yet to find the win column, neither team has struggled much with the starting lineups. In particular, the first team offenses in Atlanta and Miami have looked exceptional in the first two weeks of preseason, despite the losses.
With Ryan Tannehill leading the way for the Dolphins in just four drives during the preseason, the team has three touchdowns and had leads both times he exited the games. The fourth-year quarterback, who signed a five-year, $95 million extension in the offseason, can prove his value if he can translate his preseason play to the regular season. Through the first two weeks, Tannehill has completed 18 of 22 passes with 158 yards and two touchdowns, tearing up the Chicago Bears' and Carolina Panthers' defenses to jump out to early leads.
Matt Ryan has been exceptionally sharp in the preseason too, completing 10 of the only 11 passes he's thrown for 161 yards and two touchdowns, finishing both games he started with perfect passer ratings. Roddy White will be out of action after undergoing elbow surgery, but the highlight for the Falcons' offense will be the running game, which still features a battle between two young running backs.
Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman will split carries during the 2015 season, but both have dealt with injuries and have yet to suit up during the preseason. At this point, neither has had the chance yet to establish himself as the team's starter. Coleman is expected to make his debut, giving Atlanta its first chance to evaluate its talented rookie running back in game action.
The Falcons' offense, however, faces a huge challenge when it goes against the first team Miami defense, which now boasts the frightening duo of Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake. Suh cost the Dolphins an arm and a leg to acquire this offseason, and they'll want to see what he can do against starters in this one.
The Falcons' defense has also had early success under new head coach Dan Quinn, who brought an attacking style from his days with the Seattle Seahawks. With rookie Vic Beasley at his disposal, the Falcons plan on bringing pressure early and often, and that's part of the reason why Marcus Mariota self-destructed a bit in his preseason debut against Atlanta with two turnovers, including an interception for linebacker Justin Durant.
After the starters leave, the second team units will get a chance to face each other, while the third team and remainder of each roster will likely have to wait another week to make a final impression. Dave Choate of SB Nation's Falcons blog, The Falcoholic, pointed to five players, including 2014 third-round pick Dezmen Southward, who need a strong showing against the Dolphins to stay on the roster.
How to Watch
When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami
Announcers: Dick Stockton, Bob Griese, Nat Moore (Miami), Randy Waters, Coy Wire (Atlanta)
TV: WFOR-TV CBS 4 (Miami), WUPA-TV CW 69 (Atlanta) - Full listings via 506 Sports.
Online: NFL Game Pass
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