:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62600821/usa_today_11715410.0.jpg)
The Falcons will look to stifle an emerging and electric Lamar Jackson at home, and should they prevail they will still have a shot at a winning season. They’ll have to do it without another defensive lineman, however, as Derrick Shelby joins the platoon of players on injured reserve.
Fridays are designed for aimlessly clicking around on the internet, so burn some time on the boss’s dime with today’s Falcoholinks.
The Falcons will see Lamar Jackson
After playing coy regarding Sunday’s starter, Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh announced that rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson would indeed start against the Falcons. Seeking his third straight win running the offense, Jackson will present a problem for the Atlanta Falcons’ defense. He’s dynamic on the ground, and has the arm strength to make the Falcons’ secondary pay given the proper opportunity.
The defense hasn’t shown any propensity of late to keep opposing teams off the board, so if the Falcons hope to win this game it will require the offense to get back on track.
And if dealing with Lamar Jackson isn’t enough, the Falcons will also have to contend with Ravens’ returner Cyrus Jones.
Shelby Shelved
As noted above, the Falcons have lost run-stuffing defensive lineman Derrick Shelby for the remainder of 2018 with a groin injury. The Falcons played an odd game of contractual musical chairs with Shelby prior to the season, first cutting him and then bringing him back to shore up the rotation on the line. With Derrick Shelby hitting IR and an unrestricted free agent in 2019, he’s likely played his final game in a Falcons uniform.
Enter Beadles?
Coach Quinn alluded to some forthcoming changes along the offensive line, and it’s looking like Zane Beadles is in line for some snaps at right guard — potentially as a starter. Beadles was running with the first-team during Wednesday’s practice, so it’s entirely plausible that he gets the nod in place of Ben Garland when the Falcons take on the Ravens Sunday.
Same thing Falcons have been doing early in practice all week with Zane Beadles alongside the starters at right guard pic.twitter.com/04oEGR2RIT
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) November 29, 2018
With Zane Beadles again getting snaps with the ones on Thursday, it’s looking very likely.
The Falcoholic Live Episode 61
Miss Wednesday night’s live broadcast? You should be ashamed of yourself. We’ll begrudgingly bail you out, though, as you can catch it here. Kevin and Adnan went through the Thanksgiving disaster and provided an outlook for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.