Atlanta Falcons preseason guide: What to watch

Aug 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn shown on the field with players tackle Mike Person (68) and center Joe Hawley (61) during training camp at the Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

While the countdown is on for the start of the regular season, it’s easy to forget that Falcons football returns on Friday, September 14 with preseason.

Preseason isn’t a time for worrying about wins and losses, it’s all about player evaluation. Roster spots are up for grabs and these games provide opportunities.

We won’t see too much from Matt Ryan or Julio Jones, but we will see plenty from the younger guys trying to leave their mark and earn a place on the 53-man roster. Here is a quick reminder of the preseason schedule.

Tennessee Titans at Atlanta Falcons: August 14 at 7:00 EDT on CW69

Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets: August 21 at 7:30 EDT on CW69

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins: August 29 at 7:30 EDT on CW69

Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons: September 3 at 7:00 EDT on CW69

These games kickoff in the middle of many key training camp battles for the Falcons. This will provide players further opportunity to prove themselves against tough competition.

The Falcons will likely get the first-look at rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota in Week 1 of preseason against the Tennessee Titans. How much game time he will have is unknown, but we can expect him to feature at some point.

Atlanta will then get a tough test against a strong Jets and Dolphins defense, before entertaining the Ravens at home to close out preseason. Playing at home in Week 4 is a bonus as it allows the Falcons to stay home at prepare for the regular season without travel.

Let’s get started. What should we look out for in the Falcons’ preseason games?

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