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Tomorrow brings us the third preseason game for the Atlanta Falcons, and it’s traditionally the most interesting of them all. One of the big questions is whether that will hold true this year.
The opponent is certainly an interesting and challenging one. The Jaguars were really good a year ago and should be even better in 2018, given that they added all-world guard Andrew Norwell to their offensive line. The offense is still a bit of a question mark with Blake Bortles at the helm and some unproven pieces, but it should at least be solid, and the defense is one of the best units in the NFL. If you wanted to test your shiny offense, this would be a good time to do it.
But the Falcons may not. With Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman set to be held out of the third preseason game, the Falcons may elect to pare back playing time for their other starters, as well. That means the traditional first half of play for starters could be 1.5 quarters, a single quarter, or even a handful of drives. We just don’t know what Atlanta’s going to do, though I won’t mind if they err on the side of health.
I’m just hoping for a lively game, at the end of the day, and some form of resolution to the remaining position battles before the fourth preseason game comes and we’re left to watch everyone scrapping for the final 3-5 roster spots and 10 open practice squad spots. If you’re with us, here’s what you’ll need to know to watch the game tomorrow night.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Preseason Week 3
Time: Saturday, August 25, 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
TV Channel: CW
Streaming: NFL Gamepass
Announcers: Justin Kutcher and Coy Wire
Radio: 92.9 The Game
Odds: The Jaguars are favored by a field goal, not that it matters
Prediction: Falcons lose, 20-17, not that it matters
Key Questions: Will the Falcons actually trot out the majority of their starters for the first half, as is traditionally done in the third preseason game, or will they elect to hold them out with an eye on keeping everyone healthy? Will the Falcons pick off Blake Bortles and/or get a bomb by Jalen Ramsey at some point in this game? Will the tough Jaguars defense create a lot of trouble for this Falcons offense, which looked really good against the Chiefs?
SB Nation Opposition Site: Big Cat Country
Twitter: @TheFalcoholic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheFalcoholic
2018 Falcons Schedule
Week 1: Falcons @ Eagles, Thursday Night Football - NFL Opener September 6 8:20 p.m.
Week 2: Falcons vs. Panthers, Sunday September 16 1:00 p.m.
Week 3: Falcons vs. Saints, Sunday September 23 1:00 p.m.
Week 4: Falcons vs. Bengals, Sunday September 30 1:00 p.m.
Week 5: Falcons @ Steelers, Sunday October 7 1:00 p.m.
Week 6: Falcons vs. Buccaneers, Sunday October 14 1:00 p.m.
Week 7: Falcons vs. Giants, Monday Night Football October 22 8:15 p.m.
Week 8: BYE WEEK
Week 9: Falcons @ Redskins, Sunday November 4 1:00 p.m.
Week 10: Falcons @ Browns, Sunday November 11 1:00 p.m.
Week 11: Falcons vs. Cowboys, Sunday November 18 1:00 p.m.
Week 12: Falcons @ Saints, Thursday Night Football - Thanksgiving November 22 8:20 p.m.
Week 13: Falcons vs. Ravens, Sunday December 2 1:00 p.m.
Week 14: Falcons @ Packers, Sunday December 9 1:00 p.m.
Week 15: Falcons vs. Cardinals, Sunday December 16 1:00 p.m.
Week 16: Falcons @ Panthers, Sunday December 23 1:00 p.m.
Week 17: Falcons @ Buccaneers, Sunday December 30 1:00 p.m.