Atlanta Falcons: Three preseason questions needing answers
Is this defense for real?
From the moment that the Falcons took the field against the Tennessee Titans, the first team defense has looked nothing short of amazing. The starters allowed zero points through two games and this being without the help of star corner Desmond Trufant and safety William Moore. The defense has produced three interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven sacks. Not to mention a host of quarterback hurries and tipped passes.
But the question remains, is this for real? Can the defense continue to produce starting on opening night against the high powered Philadelphia Eagles offense? One thing is for sure, Coach Quinn has incorporated a simpler scheme and emphasized a fast and physical approach to the game and it has shown with players like Paul Worrilow and Jonathan Babineaux. Both have shown improvement from their play on last season under Mike Smith.
What to watch for in the final preseason game
While the first team defense has looked excellent through three weeks of preseason play, the backups have not. Look for the play of Dezmen Southward and Jalen Collins on Thursday night as they try to rebound from poor early preseason production.
Next: Falcons vs Ravens: Full game preview