Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Roster Battles
By Sunny Minhas
Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is shown under center next to Atlanta Falcons tackle Lamar Holmes (76) Atlanta Falcons guard Jon Asamoah (75) as Atlanta Falcons running back Antone Smith (35) are shown in their game against the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome. The Titans won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Line
Role: #2 LT, #2 LG, #2 RG, #1 RT, #2 RT
In The Race: Lamar Holmes, Gabe Carimi, Ryan Schraeder, Terren Jones, Harland Gunn, James Stone
Virtually all the backup positions across the offensive line are still undecided. The starting right tackle spot is still a competition although Lamar Holmes is the clear favourite at this point after his impressive performance against the Titans. I think the team wants Gabe Carimi to stick because of his versatility. In his career, he has mostly played as a right tackle but had 4 games at right guard with the Bears in 2012 and 2 games at left guard with the Buccaneers in 2013 before getting injured. He has been injured again in preseason but will have the opportunity to show against the Jaguars that he belongs. Ryan Schraeder had his struggles at right tackle last year but entering his 2nd year, he should be more comfortable in the scheme and NFL. Terren Jones played left tackle in relief of Jake Matthews against the Titans but, God forbid, in the situation Matthews gets hurt it is likely that it will be Holmes that moves over to left tackle.
Harland Gunn has been the main backup at right guard and remains favourite to keep the job. James Stone is the 3rd string center but filled in a left guard against the Titans after Justin Blalock left the game. Usually them reps would have gone to Mike Johnson but an injury sustained in the same game has put him on injured reserve.
My Verdict: The starting right tackle job will go to Lamar Holmes. He will also be the backup left tackle. Gabe Carimi will stick around for his versatility to play across the line and Ryan Schraeder will have backup right tackle duties. That should leave the Falcons better prepared in case of an injury crisis on the offensive line. The final player we keep is Harland Gunn who will remain behind Jon Asamoah at right guard. Terren Jones and James Stone make for good practice squad candidates.