Atlanta Falcons: Five takeaways from win over Washington

5) Kick/punt return job is still wide open

Everyone knew as soon as the Atlanta Falcons cut Devin Hester that the kick/punt return duties would be a free-for-all. Several players have seen snaps at both punt and kick return throughout the first 11 training camp practices and that remained the same in their first preseason game against Washington.

Wide receiver Justin Hardy received the first two punts for the Falcons and then gave way to rookie Devin Fuller. Fuller returned three punts and then gave way to J.D. McKissik for the final punt return of the night.

None of three looked all that impressive, but it was a very small sample size. But for now it appears as if it’s Hardy’s job to lose.

Fuller was back to return the first kickoff of the game which went for a touchback. that was the Falcons’ only kickoff return in the first half, but McKissik made their kickoff return to start the second half count. McKissik went the distance for a 101-yard kickoff return touchdown.

Because there were only three kickoff return attempts, it’s still anyone’s guess as to who will win the job. It appears that Fuller will have it, but having a guy with McKissik’s ability might be worth keeping an eye on.