Atlanta Falcons vs Baltimore Ravens: Full Game Preview

Aug 29, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Travis Howard (33) tries to jump over the pile during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Why to watch

This is the final opportunity to catch all of the key positional battles ahead of the new season. While the starters won’t get much action against the Ravens, the players on the field will be fired up as everyone has something to play for. For some, this is an increased role on the depth chart. For others, it’s simply a spot on the 53-man roster. The Falcons need to make 22 roster cuts before Saturday afternoon, so this is the chance for the players to step up.

Coach Dan Quinn will also be wanting to see the quality of depth he has on the roster. Against the Jets, the Falcons fell apart once the starters came off the field. They were matched with the Jets’ first-team offense at one point, but even after they struggled. Finding the players who will be able to step up in the case of an injury will be key to this game.

Every so often, the fourth preseason game brings out the best in a player on the bubble of the roster who goes onto become a key player for the team. Montell Owens wasn’t guaranteed a place on the roster but knew special teams could be his way in. In the final exhibition game, Owens hit it out of the park on special teams, earned a spot on the roster and went to make a Pro Bowl.

Who will be that guy in Atlanta?

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