Atlanta Falcons showcase a lot of good to build off of

The Atlanta Falcons lost their 12th straight preseason game dating back to the start of the 2017 NFL preseason. While the overall game did not go their way, there was a lot of good tonight that they can build off of.

Before we get to the good from tonight, let’s address some of the negative we saw from the Atlanta Falcons. We can start with three turnovers, two by rookies trying to make their dreams of playing in the NFL come true.

Both Marcus Greene and fellow rookie Olamide Zaccheaus made really bad attempts at fielding punts that led to Redskins possessions in the red zone. In our 53 man projection this week, we had Greene making the roster, but after a second punt return fumble, he will be hard pressed to make this squad.

Falcons lone kicker Giorgio Tavecchio missed his fourth field goal of the preseason tonight as well. That missed kick is going to strengthen the argument that the Falcons should never have let Matt Bryant go. The last area of concern was another nine penalties tonight, that makes 45 penalties this preseason for the Atlanta Falcons.

Now for the positive.

Defensive line has continued to get after it. They have looked really good all preseason and tonight the starters took another step forward. As the Falcons employ this 5-2 look more often, Alan Bailey, Grady Jarrett and Tyeler Davison are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Jack Crawford and Adrian Clayborn are going to provide outstanding depth on the defensive line and there won’t be a lot of drop off when you add Ra’Shede Hageman and Deadrin Senat to the mix and try to keep your starters fresh for fourth quarter pushes.

Duke Riley made a statement tonight as a backup linebacker. While Jermaine Grace has outplayed him this entire preseason, because he has actually been on the field, Riley isn’t going down without a fight. He showed tremendous growth and understanding tonight that has been missing from his game.

Lastly, the offensive line was much improved. Matt Gono got the start after Sambrailo was announced as not playing tonight and John Wetzel was non-contact most of the week leading up to tonight. Both Gono and Wetzel played well tonight and next week will decide which one of them makes the Falcons 53 man roster.

The Falcons conclude the preseason next week on the road in Jacksonville. Their final 5 man roster will be due by 4pm on Saturday August 31st.