Falcons LT Kevin Shaffer and RT Todd Weiner vs. Dolphins WLB Channing Crowder. Shaffer and Weiner have both improved their pass protection skills in the last five games because both are using quicker and more efficient footwork. Crowder, a rookie, has speed they must neutralize to keep the top of the pocket from collapsing on QB Michael Vick.
Falcons FS Bryan Scott vs. Dolphins RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. If anything has troubled Scott this season, it's been his tackling. Opponents aren't afraid to cross the middle against Atlanta because Scott isn't physical enough. The Falcons' terminology considers Scott a free, but he's really a strong safety that plays up in the box in any other scheme.
INJURY IMPACT: If RDE Brady Smith can't play, Patrick Kerney will start in his place and rookie Chauncey Davis in Kerney's left-side spot. Smith's absence creates a lack of experience at the position, but Davis did done well in two previous starts. RB T.J. Duckett's ankle injury could give FB Justin Griffith five or six snaps he ordinarily wouldn't have. WR Michael Jenkins' sprained ankle presents more chances for Roddy White to blossom in the offense.