Falcons vs. Jaguars preseason 2018: What you need to know about Week 3

This week’s preseason game is, as you’re all aware, the one that matters most. The Falcons will stretch their starters out here in an effort to get them ready for the season, and they’ll be tested by a Jaguars team with an interesting young offense led by red zone killer and pick machine Blake Bortles. The Jaguars defense is one of the two or three best they’ll face all season, too, so even in preseason we should get a glimpse at how the Falcons will fare in their toughest matchups.

Because the starters are going to get more run—perhaps a quarter, perhaps a half—there aren’t a lot of opportunities for the young players who have been looking to distinguish themselves to do so. Playing time will be packed into the second half against the Jags’ reserves, and that means roster hopefuls will have to stand out in limited action.

Of course, there’s still one more preseason game to come where all the hopefuls and battlers will essentially play the entire game, with the Falcons traditionally sitting most of their starters in Week 4. This is our opportunity to get an extended look at Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Vic Beasley, Robert Alford and the rest of the crew, and that should make it the most enjoyable viewing experience of the preseason thus far.

Here’s the essential information for this Saturday night game.

Falcons vs. Jaguars preseason Week 3 key info

What: Atlanta Falcons @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Where: Everbank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

When: Saturday, August 25, 7:00 p.m. EST

Channel: CW69

Radio: 92.9 The Game

SB Nation Site: Big Cat Country