Dolphins Set To Host Falcons In Third Preseason Game
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Fans of the Miami Dolphins have likely had Saturday's preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons circled on their calendar for a long time.
Not only is it the first time that local fans will get the chance to see the team play in a preseason game, but it's also the first time that the newly renovated Sun Life Stadium will be open to the public.
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The stadium is in the midst of a major renovation project that won't be completed for another year.
The first part of the remodeling that took place over the past several months replaced all the seats in the building, changing them from bright orange to Dolphins aqua, while also adding rows to being fans closer to the field than ever.
Other changes included new types of seats for fans to enjoy the game, such as the living room boxes found in the middle of the lower level, as well as new clubs and bar areas all around the stadium.
Aside from the stadium, the action on the field is something that fans have been looking forward to for quite a while.
The hype surrounding the 2015 Dolphins is undeniable.
Whether you're talking about the offense or the defense, there are plenty of things to be very excited about as the team prepares to play in its third preseason game, widely regarded as the 'dress rehearsal' game.
Miami's starting defense has yet to allow a single point through two preseason games.
Ndamukong Suh and the defensive line have been downright dominant, with the newcomers' presence having a clear impact on opposing offenses.
Areas of the unit that coaches and fans alike will be keeping a close eye on are the linebackers and the defensive backs, specifically the second starting cornerback spot and the free safety.
Jamar Taylor has been playing well while trying to earn the spot opposite Brent Grimes as the teams starting corners but a quad injury will likely keep the 24-year-old Taylor off the field on Saturday.
That will give Brice McCain, who has been battling with Taylor for the starting job, an opportunity to show the coaching staff why he deserves to be on the field when the regular season begins.
Safety Walk Aikens has taken over for the injured Louis Delmas and based on comments by defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, it seems that the job is Aikens' to lose.
Offensively, the Dolphins first teamers have sparked during limited reps this preseason.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been playing the best football of his young career so far in 2015 and all indications are that he's going to continue that trend into the regular season.
The same can be said for running back Lamar Miller, who many are projecting will build on his impressive 2014 season in which he ran for 1,099 yards despite getting a limited amount of carries compared to most of the starting backs in the league.
Be sure to check out our FinsOn4 Live Dolphins Blog where we will be posting season-long coverage, updates, photos, video, commentary and more throughout the entire 2015 season.
Watch Miami take on the Atlanta Falcons this Saturday at 7 p.m. on CBS4, your official Dolphins station!
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