3 Atlanta Falcons to watch closely in tonight’s pre-season opener

Atlanta Falcons football is finally back albeit a meaningless pre-season tilt against the Detriot Lions but football is back nonetheless. While the result of the game might be meaingless it will be a huge test for much of an Atlanta roster that is still battling for starting or contributing roles.

The receiver group in particular should be interesting to watch considering outside of Kyle Pitts there aren’t any proven pass catchers in this group. In all likelihood it will be Bryan Edwards and Drake London lining up as the starters for Atlanta in week one.

However, the jobs behind them appear to still be up for grabs and there are a number of intruging options. Competition along the defensive and offensive lines should continue throughout the pre-season as well with Atlanta searching for answers at edge, guard, center, and an inside tackle to pair with Grady Jarrett.

While camp will certainly give players an edge it is game action that will help determine whether or not they can lock in their starting roles.

If Arthur Smith does give his starters time in the first pre-season game this will be Atlanta’s first look at their new starting quarterback Marcus Mariota. However, he won’t be the player fans are most anxious to see in week one of the pre-season.