What to expect at the Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens preseason opener

The Miami Dolphins open their preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.

ET in Baltimore.

Here are some things to watch for: First QuarterThe Dolphins will face off against a young Baltimore defense, led by linebackers Jaylon Smith and Anthony Levine.

Miami will have the first two quarterbacks on the field and will likely use a mix of spread and zone read defenses.

The Ravens will likely go for more spread offenses, but Miami will likely employ more zone.

Baltimore is also expected to run more passing attacks than Miami, with Joe Flacco likely to go for short, quick passes.

Flacco will likely have a great game and should see the field.

Second QuarterMiami will likely face more zone defenses than the first one.

Miami is expected to go with more spread and a lot of zone read.

Miami also has the option of using a zone read, which allows the quarterback to read the defense as a whole.

Joe Flack is expected go for quick passes, so it’s unclear if the Dolphins will go for any of the passes thrown his way.

Third QuarterThe Ravens will play a much more aggressive defense than the Dolphins, but the Dolphins defense will likely be able to run the ball with some success.

Miami’s defense has shown some promise this preseason, but it’s still unknown how well they can handle a good Ravens offense.

Fourth QuarterThe Miami Dolphins will be facing the third-ranked rushing attack in the NFL.

Miami has only one player averaging over 3.5 yards per carry and one running back who averaged over 2.5 carries per game this year.

Miami could be able see some of its new rushing weapons get open.

Miami should run the football and expect a big game from the running backs.

Fifth QuarterThe final quarter will be important for Miami’s rushing attack.

The Dolphins backfield should be able take advantage of Baltimore’s pass protection.

Flack should see plenty of targets, but he’s still likely to run some short passes and run some screens.

If Flacco can run well and pass protection works out, the Dolphins should be in good shape.