Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Thursday, Aug. 8

Week 1 of the preseason begins tonight as the Falcons take on the Dolphins down in Miami. Prepare for the game with the latest news you need to know before the game kicks off this evenings. Today’s Falcoholinks continue below!

Benkert to IR

With the rumblings from Atlanta, we were prepared for second-year quarterback Kurt Benkert to be out for some time, and now that’s been confirmed. Benkert is unfortunately headed to IR with a toe injury, ending his promising campaign to supplant Matt Schaub on the depth chart. Kurt Benkert looked very impressive in the Hall of Fame Game, and up until he was removed due to injury, had many of us wondering if he could seal up the backup job in the preseason. That’s obviously now not in the cards — at least until next season. Heal up soon, Kurt.

Preseason Week 1 notes and narratives

The Falcons had an extra game added onto their offseason exhibition calendar with their inclusion in the Hall of Fame Game, but tonight we’re back to regular order. Atlanta heads down to Miami to take on the Dolphins. Courtesy of convenient geography, the Falcons and Dolphins have met frequently in the preseason — bouts in which the Dolphins have come out on top most of the time.

A combination of injuries and the first official game of the preseason means we’re not likely to see many of Atlanta’s starters, and left guard candidate James Carpenter has already been ruled out. But we’re thankful it’s football, so even if it’s as sloppy as the Hall of Fame Game, it’s better than badminton highlights.

Communication is key

Without proper communication, things are destined to go awry. This is especially true in the fast and chaotic environment of the football field, and Coach Quinn is still not satisfied with his team’s level of on-field communication.

Quinn expressed his desire to see better communication on the defensive side of the ball, and earmarked it as a priority as camp and preseason roll along.

Allen Bailey’s contract details

They were slow to emerge, but we now have the official details of Allen Bailey’s contract with the Falcons. Our own David Walker dove into the numbers and analyzed what the two-year deal means for the Falcons and cap space going forward.

The Falcoholic Podcast

Rounding out the Week 1 preseason preview edition of Falcoholinks is a staple of our digital coverage: The Falcoholic Podcast. Hosts Jeanna Thomas and David Walker are joined by Adnan Ikic to discuss the goings on in camp, as well as looking forward to tonight’s game. Give it a listen right here.