Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans: Full game preview

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (44) rushes Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) in the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

What to watch

Which pass rusher is going to step up?

For all the good we have seen on defense, the Achilles heel remains the pass rush. The Falcons have made just seven sacks in six games, tied for No. 31 in the league. Somebody needs to step up and make some big plays, which could give the entire defensive front the jolt it needs.

Will there be a commitment to the ground game?

Atlanta got away from the run game in New Orleans despite its success. Against the No. 28 run defense, the ball needs to be placed in the hands of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman often. Will the Falcons come out of the gates patient with a commitment to the run game, or will they be looking to be aggressive from the off with the pass?

Are the injured stars back to their best?

The injury report is in good shape. Julio Jones wasn’t listed this week for the first time since Week 1, and all seven players listed are probable for the game. Potentially, the Falcons could be at full strength. But are the likes of Julio Jones and Leonard Hankerson at 100 percent, or are they still fighting through nagging injuries? This game will help answer that question.

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