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The Atlanta Falcons are actually going to play football soon. Real football. Well, it's preseason, so I guess you can kind of call that real. But still, we're all ready.
Friday Night Lights proved to be a success again, as over 14,250 fans showed up to watch. It was a good chance to see some of the players fighting for spots in action. Here's a look at the Falcons depth chart prior to that scrimmage, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC. We'll see if this remains unchanged for Thursday's game against the Bengals,
Offense | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth |
WR | Julio Jones | Drew Davis | Kevin Cone | Rashad Evans | Darius Johnson |
LT | Sam Baker | Ryan Schraeder | Terren Jones | ||
LG | Justin Blalock | Phillipkeith Manley | Matt Smith | ||
C | Peter Konz | Joe Hawley | Jacques McClendon | ||
RG | Garret Reynolds | Harland Gunn | Alec Savoie | ||
RT | Mike Johnson | Lamar Holmes | Theo Goins | ||
TE | Tony Gonzalez | Tommy Gallarda | Chase Coffman | Levine Toilolo | Andrew Szcerba |
WR | Roddy White | Harry Douglas | Marcus Jackson | James Rodgers | Marcus Sales |
QB | Matt Ryan | Dominique Davis | Sean Renfree | Seth Doege | |
RB | Steven Jackson | Jacquizz Rodgers | Antone Smith | Josh Vaughan | Donald Russell |
FB | Jason Snelling | Bradie Ewing | Patrick DiMarco | Devonte Campbell |
There isn't much in question on the offensive side of the ball, at least in regards to the starters. Garrett Reynolds isn't looking spectacular at right guard, but they'll have to hope he's ready for action. Mike Johnson is locked is as the started at right tackle. Lamar Holmes is only moving ahead if Johnson suffers an injury.
Also, please, someone step up at wide receiver. Drew Davis and Kevin Cone are yet again the "promising young wideouts," but we need to see them take a few strides to make an impact. Harry Douglas is still filling the slot as best as he can, which is incredibly mediocre.
Defense | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth |
LE | Osi Umenyiora | Jonathan Massaquoi | Stansly Maponga | Brandon Thurmond | |
DT | Corey Peters | Travian Robertson | Cliff Matthews | Adam Replogie | |
DT | Jonathan Babineaux | Peria Jerry | Micanor Regis | Neal Huynh | |
RE | Kroy Biermann | Malliciah Goodman | Cam Henderson | ||
OLB | Sean Weatherspoon | Robert James | Paul Worrilow | ||
MLB | Akeem Dent | Pat Schiller | Brian Banks | ||
OLB | Stephen Nicholas | Joplo Bartu | Nick Clancy | ||
CB | Desmond Trufant | Dominique Franks | Peyton Thompson | ||
CB | Asante Samuel | Robert Alford | Jordan Mabin | ||
FS | William Moore | Charles Mitchell | Zeke Motta | ||
SS | Thomas DeCoud | Shann Schillinger | Kemal Ishmael | Troy Sanders |
Robert McClain is the starter at nickel, which is essentially the base on defense, so don't get all worked up that he isn't listed. Again, like the offense, we know who the starters are for the most part. Desmond Trufant is the leader to line up opposite Asante Samuel, but Robert Alford is a contender as well.
Can the young defensive ends be effective? Jonathan Massaquoi has relatively high expectations despite the few reps he's seen. Cliff Matthews is better than Peria Jerry. Most players probably are.
ST | First | Second | Third |
K | Matt Bryant | Jeremy Shelley | |
KO | Matt Bosher | ||
P | Matt Bosher | Sean Sellwood | |
KR | Jacquizz Rodgers | Robert Alford | |
PR | Harry Douglas | Dominique Franks | Robert Alford |
LS | Josh Harris | ||
H | Matt Bosher |
Alford is a threat to become a return specialist, and the Falcons could desperately use his skills. As long as they don't start Dominique Franks, I'm fine.
Atlanta still has plenty of decisions to make with their backups. Let's here your thoughts/concerns with the current depth chart.