Atlanta Falcons: Winners and losers from preseason win over Titans

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a move on Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) after a catch in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The offseason officially came to a close on Friday night as the Atlanta Falcons took the field for their first preseason game of the year. Fans piled into the Georgia Dome to watch the hometown Falcons take on the Tennessee Titans in what turned out to be a nail-biter at the end. After a big first-half lead, the Falcons capped off the night with a late touchdown to give the Falcons a 31-24 win.

Matt Ryan played on series with the Falcons and looked as good as possible. Ryan connected on all six of his pass attempts for 86 yards and a touchdown. Julio Jones caught four of the six passes for 61 yards and the touchdown to cap off a ten play, 91-yard touchdown drive to give the Falcons an early 7-0 lead.

The Falcons’ starting defense got off to a quick start as well after Vic Beasley applied pressure to Marcus Mariota leading to an interception from Justin Durant. Paul Worrilow would join the party on the following drive after picking up a loose ball and taking it to the house for six to give the Falcons a 16-0 lead before Matt Bryant’s made extra point.

The first preseason game of the year saw several winners and losers. Some players stood out and had great play after great play while others failed to find a rhythm. Lets take a look at who those few were.