Dolphins expected to follow 49ers example and test Falcons run defense

“Yeah, without a doubt,” Ulbrich said when asked if he’s expecting the Dolphins to run the ball. “They’re one of the other few teams in this league now that still plays 21 personnel (two running backs and one tight end) on a consistent basis.”

Running the ball is secondary for most NFL teams as the league has evolved into more of a made-for-TV passing league.

“When you play the San Franciscos of the world, it’s like, I remember back when I was playing, I’d come in on Tuesdays and I’d sort the first- and second-down (videotape) and (it would) always be 21 personnel,” Ulbrich said. “That was the No. 1 grouping. That doesn’t exist anymore.”

The concept of a fullback is new to some of the younger players.

“I remember when I was coaching in college at UCLA, half the guys didn’t know what a fullback was,” Ulbrich said. “Who’s that guy lining up in front of the running back? Miami is one of those teams that has not only a fullback, but a good fullback. It’s similar to (San Francisco’s Kyle) Juszczyk in the fact that he’s got versatility.”

Ingold has one carry for 3 yards and four catches for 36 yards.

“Obviously, he can do all the fullback stuff, the blocking stuff and lead blocking for the run game,” Ulbrich said. “But he also can do some stuff in the passing game because he’s got a little bit more athleticism than a traditional fullback.”

“He’s unique in the fact that he is, from an athletic profile standpoint he’s very (defensive back)-ish, (but) from a size standpoint he’s very linebacker-ish,” Ulbrich said. “So, we’re going to replace him with that.”

JD Bertrand replaced Deablo against the 49ers and finished with 10 tackles. Also, safety DeMarcco Hellams played nine defensive snaps. Ulbrich said he plans to use some defensive backs in Deablo’s role.

“We’re fortunate that we have a JD Bertrand here that is insanely intelligent, and he understands our scheme at the highest level,” Ulbrich said. “So he’s going to get a great opportunity to play some more. There are some other guys, too, that are going to step in and do some of what Divine does.”

The Falcons also have converted linebacker Ronnie Harrison, a former safety on the practice squad. Safety Jordan Fuller had his return-to-play window opened last week. Also, Josh Woods is a backup inside linebacker.

“It’s a combination of all of those guys,” Ulbrich said. “We’re going to give everybody a little bit of Divine’s role. There is a competitive element this week to see who does the best and who deserves the opportunity to play a little bit more.”

Bertrand, who played at Blessed Trinity and Notre Dame, is expected to get most of the action.

“Yeah, he’s a unique player in the fact that he can play (middle linebacker), he can (play weak side linebacker),” Ulbrich said. “He can play on the line of scrimmage, off the line of scrimmage. Obviously, he can handle the full special teams load at the same time. Then he can go out there and play, from an execution standpoint, virtually flawless in a lot of ways.”

Bertrand was taken in the fifth round of the NFL draft in 2024. He appeared in 12 games and played 157 defensive snaps (19%). He also played 238 special-teams snaps (76%).

“So, he brings a toughness,” Ulbrich said. “He brings some anticipatory stuff that’s unique because he sees the game in an unique way. Especially from a run-game perspective. He’ll bring an element that we didn’t have. So, it will be exciting to have him play some more.”