Atlanta Falcons: Five players whose stock is rising

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn celebrates with players after the Falcons forced a turnover in the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Through two preseason games, the Atlanta Falcons’ starters have been excellent. The defense shut down the Titans and Jets starters while the offense put up points at will.

Of course, slowing down the Tennessee and New York offenses isn’t something to get too excited about just yet, but you can only beat the opposition put in front of you. Last season, the Falcons would have made both units look elite.

As you know, Atlanta mustered just 22 sacks last season, but if preseason is anything to go by that number should dramatically increase in this campaign. The pass rush has looked much improved so far, but we will need to see the unit perform at the same high level against top offenses in the regular season.

The Falcons have playoff ambitions and will need improvements across the defense to be able to make this a reality. New head coach Dan Quinn wants Atlanta to play fast and physical, and the offseason additions of Vic Beasley and Adrian Clayborn further enforce this.

With two of the four exhibition games in the bag, whose stock has risen?

Next: The Falcons' best free agent signing?