The preseason is finally over for the Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons didn’t care about winning preseason games and neither should you.
That was brutal. The four most meaningless games of every season are out of the way. Every season, every team tries to make it through the preseason as quickly and as healthy as possible. Some teams are more fortunate than others. Along with that comes both hot and cold takes on what the season will bring.
The Falcons took few risks with most of their best weapons. Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, and Deion Jones either missed significant time or sat out the preseason. That played a huge part in the Falcons finishing 0-4 this preseason.
Although it was tough to watch, I don’t think there’s any reason to be concerned. I believe this is exactly how Dan Quinn planned things for the preseason. Keeping so many important pieces off the field accomplished multiple things for the Falcons.
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First, it lets the coaches evaluate players who would be replacing any of the starters, should injuries occur. It’s better to see what depth you do or don’t have, during the preseason, than the regular season.
It also allows the Falcons to avoid any potential injury in a meaningless game. We can all agree there is nothing worse than a season-ending injury as a result of a preseason game. Leaving such players as Jones and Freeman off the field keeps them healthy and I’m fine with that.
Thirdly and more importantly, is the schedule. The Eagles have spent the last few weeks attempting to not disclose who will be starting at quarterback for the team in Week One, as they try and maintain a “competitive advantage.”
I think the Falcons not playing all of their starters is a similar move. Not only does it keep the players healthy but now the Eagles have four preseason games of the Falcons to watch, which shows them nothing at all. There is nothing the Eagles can gain from watching any of the Falcons’ preseason games.
Conversely, the Eagles starting– but not starting–quarterback banged up his shoulder during the preseason. I’ll take an 0-4 preseason if it means staying healthy and having a leg up on the competition, any day.