Atlanta Falcons: Five biggest training camp battles for 2016

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Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Hatcher (97) celebrates after Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) missed a field goal in the second quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Bryant vs. Nick Rose

Bryant had his lowest FG percentage (77.8 percent) in 2015 since he became an Atlanta Falcon in 2009 and part of that has to deal with missing five games due to injury. However, in those 11 games of play in 2015, Bryant missed four field goals compared to missing only six kicks in 2013 and 2014 combined. Not to mention that he is 41 years, which isn’t terrible when you’re a kicker but still worthy of keeping an eye on.

What is interesting is that Rose himself missed 11 kicks the past two seasons at the University of Texas. He made a season-high long of 53 yards in the regular season finale against Baylor yet went 1-3 from 50 yards or more throughout the entire season.

With this battle, it will more than likely come down to the last preseason game as you won’t get a true read on Rose and what he can do until he’s thrusted into particular game situations.

Prediction: Matt Bryant – Bryant wins by a hair over Rose but I wouldn’t be surprised if Atlanta keeps Rose on speed dial throughout the 2016 season.

Next: Cornerback spot

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