Miami Dolphins looking to establish aggressive defensive tone

The Miami Dolpins are looking to establish an aggressive attitude in Friday's preseason game at the Dallas Cowboys.

It will be a particular area of emphasis among among the front four, which will face one of the best offensive lines in the NFL in the Cowboys.

Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and ends Cam Wake and Mario Williams are all expected to start after not playing in the preseason opener at the New York Giants.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said aggression doesn't necessarily come from blitzing frequently.

"You can be a pressure team and not be a risk-taker," he said. "That's our goal. We want to be an attack defense but not be reckless."

One of the matchups to note will be Suh going up against Dallas All-Pro right guard Zack Martin. Suh is coming off a good season (61 tackles, 6.0 sacks), but one that wasn't at his usual level of dominance.

Wake, 34, likely will be used largely as a pass rusher because he's coming off a season-ending Achilles injury. Wake, whose first step is regarded as exceptional, has appeared quick and fast in training camp.

Williams didn't play in the preseason opener at the New York Giants but he'll play Friday at Dallas. Williams' pass rush skills are crucial. If he can regain the form that got him at least 10.5 sacks from 2012-14, the Dolphins' pass rush could be among the most feared in the NFL.

--Running back Arian Foster figures to get a look with the starters Friday. Foster, who didn't play in the preseason opener against the New York Giants, isn't likely to get extended playing time against the Cowboys because coach Adam Gase wants to make sure he's ready for the regular season. Foster, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, has been Miami's most complete back in training camp.

--Cornerback Byron Maxwell, who didn't play in the preseason opener at the New York Giants due to a groin problem, will play against Dallas. Maxwell, obtained in a trade with Philadelphia, is expected to excel in Miami's press coverage, a technique he didn't use last year with Philadelphia.

--Tight end Jordan Cameron, who has been conspicuously absent during training camp, is expected to get more attention in the passing game Friday at Dallas. Coach Adam Gase said Cameron, who had a disappointing 35 receptions for 386 yards and three TDs last year, said Cameron is going through a "learning process" with the new offense.