Falcons Starters To Play Big Minutes Versus Steelers

by Dave Choate on Aug 24, 2011 1:00 PM EDT in Falcons News

When the Falcons take on the Steelers in just a couple of short days, you should expect to see the starters getting plenty of snaps.

Given the team's brush with injuries of late and the importance of evaluating guys lower on the roster, I had hoped the team might dial down the snaps for its starters. But no, reports Jay Adams at the Official Site, that's not the case. Instead, it seems likely the Falcons will follow tradition in the third pre-season game and give Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White, John Abraham and their merry cohorts a full half or more.

It makes sense to give the starters a lot of run, because Ray Edwards is making his triumphant return to the playing field. Also, those are the guys that have to, you know, play the most in the regular season. I look forward to seeing the offense tested against one of the best defenses in the game, and the defense tested by a quality passing attack and a stud running back in Rashard Mendenhall.

This means the window of opportunity for those guys down on the depth chart is closing fast. Some of them may only get a handful of snaps against the Steelers, which means they need a big play to catch the coaching staff's attention. After this game, the first round of cuts down to 80 are in, so you can bet that every single guy listed as second-string or lower is going to be playing his ass off.

The key for the Falcons will be balancing the need to evaluate that talent with the need to get the starters some run, while looking out for injuries. Piece of cake, right?

Which starter will you have your eye on come Friday?

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Comments

First

of all, this is great news. I wanted to see how we measured up to the Steelers defense, as well as seeing RE ©rush Big Ben. SHould be fun guys!!

" Ryan back to pass, He throws it long, he's going deep to Julio on his first snap! HE CAUGHT IT, HE CAUGHT IT! JJ's dragging the safety into the endzone with him! TOUCHDOWN FALCONS! TOUCHDOWN JULIO JONES!! HIS FIRST ONE IN THE NFL, AND I GOT A FEELING THE FIRST OF MANY MANY MORE TO COME FOLKS!! I GOTTA SAY IT FOLKS - JJ......... IS.......... DY - NO - MITE!!

by ATLsince1972 on Aug 24, 2011 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

Keeping my eye on a few guys

1) Edwards – I want to see how much pressure he can apply, especially against a line that has been suspect the last couple of years

2) Quizz – I hope he gets first team snaps, as I want to see how he handles the insane LB corp that Pittsburgh has.

3) Julio – I’m hoping he and Ryan have worked out the kinks, because he was non-existent against the Jags. He’s going to have to learn timing routes, and that’s a difficult thing to master as a rookie.

4) Franks – I’m hoping to see this guy solidify his hold on the nickel position. His job will be much harder with a scrambling QB like Roethlisberger.

by The DW on Aug 24, 2011 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

I like this list, but I'd personally add one more

Jerry – I want to see this burst and explosiveness that everyone has been talking about.

by jgentry425 on Aug 24, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

It was there against the Jags

He had a sack and would have had 2 if Trey Lewis hadn’t tackled him.

by Mosugo on Aug 25, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

All eyes are on Edwards

by BigFalcon84 on Aug 24, 2011 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

I will be watching

1: Mike Mlarkey… This is your chance, buddy

2; The chemistry between the OL and how they handle blitzburgh

3: The passing game n general

4: Last but not least, Ray Edwards will be the center of attention when our D is on the field

by FLA_Falcon on Aug 24, 2011 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

Since I will be attending,

I’m gonna keep an eye on JJ, just to see how big he actually is. I heard TO comparisons.

by Dirtybirdz90 on Aug 24, 2011 1:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Saw him up close

And I’m going to say that is a fair comparison. They’re almost identical from a spec (height, speed, weight) standpoint, but JJ gets the edge based on attitude alone.

by The DW on Aug 24, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I've met him

He’s huge…and well cut…also very soft-spoken…the exact thing I want on my team

"What happened yesterday is history. What happens tomorrow is a mystery. What we do today makes a difference - the precious present moment."- Nick Saban

by Richie Grogan on Aug 24, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

5 things I will be watching

1. MS said he didn’t game plan for first 2 games. Game Plan for both Offense and Defense from MM and BVG.
2. Woodley Vs Clabo.
3. Harrison Vs Sam Baker.
4. Franks Vs Owens
5. Pass Rush from Ray Edwards.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 24, 2011 1:31 PM EDT reply actions

The entire offensive line

especially Reynolds. I figure this game will need more passing than running so MM will have to have a few vanilla pass plays, that don't take a century to develop, and effective play calling. Ray Edwards will definitely be watched the entire time he’s out there.

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Aug 24, 2011 1:37 PM EDT reply actions

Based on Pittsburghs defensive gaps

I’d think HD is up for yet another big game. Those slant routes are perfect against teams that blitz heavy out of the 3-4.

Also, though their safety position is solid, their CBs have some question marks around them. Fully expect to see Ryan take shots downfield with Julio/Roddy/HD.

by The DW on Aug 24, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I will be looking for an improvement

in offensive play against a 3-4 team. We seem to stuggle against them.

by Fear Me on Aug 24, 2011 2:08 PM EDT reply actions

Remember the first game last year

Arguably the most ineffective we were all of last season

"What happened yesterday is history. What happens tomorrow is a mystery. What we do today makes a difference - the precious present moment."- Nick Saban

by Richie Grogan on Aug 24, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes I remember

but the bright side is that we didn’t have the receiving group we have now. Last year our starting line-up was White, Douglas (who wasn’t 100%), and Finneran. Jenkins was out with the shoulder injury. That’s not hard to defend. This time I expect to see something a little different even if it’s pre-season.

by Fear Me on Aug 24, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I hate Pre-season.

You want to watch your guys, but in the back of your head you are sayin “please, make it through this without serious injuries”. You can’t even really enjoy it. Let’s go ahead and make a trip to Chicago!

by SmokeyBell on Aug 24, 2011 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

Exactly!

by LuvGems on Aug 24, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Rec'd

by DirtyBirdTakeover on Aug 24, 2011 9:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I want to see...

the Defense as a whole with all the starters on the field against the defending AFC Champs. Our “D” is going to be key this year…we are going to score!! I want to see how good we are at keeping others (especially the good teams) from scoring!!

I always turn to the sports pages first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures.
--Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.

by Blood_Talon on Aug 24, 2011 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

we are still weak in the db area need to add another corner

by scottishfalcons on Aug 24, 2011 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

this

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Aug 24, 2011 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Nah...

we got Grimes to cover the whole field…we’re good…lol

Seriously though, the Nickel situation has me a little woried…hope somebody steps up. We got allot on the team that has done this already, I’ll take one more…

I always turn to the sports pages first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures.
--Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.

by Blood_Talon on Aug 24, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think the answer is currently on the roster

but I guess we will have to wait and see – I hope I’m wrong.

Bring back B-Will!

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Aug 24, 2011 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Brian williams reportedly signed with the giants.

I would put the link thingy but I don’t know how.

by J-Junior on Aug 24, 2011 8:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

2010 Game 1 - Remeat

This feels like a remeat of Game 1 – 2010.
That one was a head banger that we lost in points, but gained a great deal from in experience for what lay ahead. Matty had only about 250 yards in passing and they (the Steelers) ran well on us when it counted.

I expect that the Steelers will come out to meet whatever game we throw at them. I’m looking forward to a physical contest that won’t look at all like a preseason game.

"There's nothing wrong with Florida... er, New Orleans that a rise in ocean level wouldn't cure."

by Redoubt on Aug 24, 2011 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

I'm going to the game

So I’ll try and post my observations. Personally, I want to watch Edwards, the Defense in general (tackling, pressure and coverage) and the passing game. Hopefully MM calls a couple long passes, Van Gorder has his guys swarming and tackling and either Franks or Owens (or both) show some major improvement. Otherwise I’ll be watching for a CB pickup off the waiver wire Tuesday.

by drmondo667 on Aug 24, 2011 6:51 PM EDT reply actions

Repeat what I wrote

after facing Jacksonville. With the way the OL is playing I wouldn’t put Matt Ryan out there. Actually sacking the QB would be great too.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Aug 24, 2011 9:31 PM EDT reply actions

Hooray! Our starters are playing a ton of snaps against one of the most feared D's in the league

in a meaningless game. I guess looking on the bright side we’re really gonna get tested. Can’t wait to see what flavor vanilla MM brings. French or regular. Ooohhh! Maybe the one with the little flecks of vanilla bean in it!

by aces666high on Aug 24, 2011 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

Hey we're explosive!

I’ve seen one deep pass attempt and one draw play. That being said it’s the “D” that I want to see. BVG makes me very nervous.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Aug 24, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll keep an eye on:

1. Garrett Reynolds —> If you can adjust to the 3-4, I’m happy.
2. Ray Edwards —> Duh
3. Dominique Franks vs. Chris Owens —>

Since Dunta is out, one of those guys will have to go up against Mike Wallace in the early going. Wallace is no slouch. Franks had trouble with Cecil Shorts last game, and Wallace is what Shorts hopes to grow up to become.

4. Todd McClure —> Is the line really better with him in there?
5. Defense —> Can you tackle? Prove it.

by ndnpride8806 on Aug 24, 2011 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

I just want to see

Sam Baker perform well. I would feel SO much better.
If Matt doesn’t go down this game, its a win.

by FlyYouFalcons on Aug 24, 2011 10:17 PM EDT reply actions

Trouble with Jax's 3-4

wasn’t pretty. Pitt wrote the book on the nasty 3-4. I know everybody flashed on me after I said I wouldn’t play Matt in this meaningless game but it is a line in transition even though we only lost Dahl.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Aug 24, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Jax runs a 4-3...hasn't run any significant 3-4 looks since their failed year of hybridity in 07 or 08

by TheAreopagite on Aug 24, 2011 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, got ahead

of myself thinking about Pitt and Baltimore. “Hybridity”? Good one.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Aug 25, 2011 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions

They ran a bunch of them against us

I expect thta this will actually be again a year where the Jags will go hybrid. They had some 3-4 looks with Roth as DE and Mincey as an OLB against us, and they made stuff very interesting and difficult for our O-Line. This is not your typical 4-3 anymore.

by wiesengrund on Aug 25, 2011 5:15 AM EDT up reply actions

True

Jax is a base 4-3 but ran some 3-4 in the game we played against them.

by Mosugo on Aug 25, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

No injuries, please....

by YokoFalcon on Aug 24, 2011 10:33 PM EDT reply actions

Oh Yeah

They all need to play after last week except for JA. I wouldn’t play him another down in preseason.

The rest need to suit up and redeem last week.

MM, show me SOMETHING!!!

by Whopper Dawg on Aug 25, 2011 2:17 AM EDT reply actions

ja?

by ATLsince1972 on Aug 25, 2011 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions

abe

he’s got to play. he needs the reps too

by ATLsince1972 on Aug 25, 2011 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Consistence

I would like too see the falcons handle the pressure and still maintain scoring drives. I would like too see the ball spread out with two-four receivers. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE SAME OFFENSIVE CALLS… I want too see different offensive packages. I want too see Ryan have TWO Tds and Turner with one td and someone else with another. Ryan have too learn too score and make passes aganist tough defenses in this league. On defense can we get off the field on third downs? Can we finally know who is the NB or do we need a trade? Can we put pressure and sack Ben which means taking on down Saturday? Can our linebackers cover backs out of the backfield? Can we tackle? Finally, Can we create more turnovers? If these questions are answer with a 0-3 preseason then we are in trouble

by Charlene Samuels on Aug 25, 2011 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

Preseason records mean nothing

The end of the game is played by players who won’t make the team.

by Mosugo on Aug 25, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Preseason records mean nothing.

If Preseason wins were important Detroit lions would have been the number 1 seed in NFC for last 3 years. Its not very uncommon for even good teams like Colts,Patriots,Eagles to go 1-3 or 0-4 in the preseason. Last year only 1 team which finished in the top of their division in Preseason actually won the division in the regular season.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 25, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs