Nine Atlanta Falcons to watch versus the Dolphins

Russell Gage

When the Falcons traded up in the 6th round to draft Gage last year, there were many that did not like the move. One, they gave up another pick to draft him and two, they had already drafted a wide receiver in Calvin Ridley. Two wide receivers in the same draft regardless of where they were drafted seemed excessive to many.

However, Gage has proven to be a valuable member to special teams and seems to be finding his way as a backup wide receiver. So much so, that he will more than likely get the start tonight as Julio Jones will sit the entire preseason. There were moments in college at LSU that Gage was electrifying, imagine being able to get that out of him as a backup.

Chris Lindstrom

Boy did he look good in his limited snaps last week versus the Broncos. From his hands to his feet, Lindstrom looked like a first round NFL offensive lineman. Tonight he is going to get the chance to face another 2019 first round pick in Christian Wilkins, a guy many wanted in Atlanta to pair with Grady Jarrett.

There were things that Lindstrom needs to work on like recognizes stunts faster and keeping his base, he will have a chance to show us tonight if he has improved on some of the smaller things.

Brian Hill

Hill looked like a completely different running back last week in his extended minutes. He finished runs strong, ran good routes out of the backfield and improved as a pass catching option. Can he do it again this week?

When the Falcons released their depth chart for this week’s preseason game, Hill and rookie Qadree Ollison has swapped places, with Hill moving up to third behind Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith, respectively.

If Hill continues to show his improvement, he will force the Falcons to carry four running backs in 2019 as Ollison is still too good as a third down runner to stash on the practice squad.