Kevin Stefanski threw his top lineup out there in the Atlanta Falcons' final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
The unit looked better, but still made a couple of critical mistakes with the fumbles by Tua Tagovailoa and Brian Robinson. It has to get cleaned up being the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a couple of weeks.
As a team, this was the final chance for many roster hopefuls to make their case for one of the active spots or practice squad spots. Here are the winners and losers.
Falcons finish their preseason with their second strong showing
Winner: Kyle Pitts - TE
In the few drives we have seen, Kyle Pitts has been Tagovailoa's man. The two have a chemistry that could shine if the quarterback wins the starting job.
Pitts was Tagovailoa's target on three of his eight passes. He finished with three receptions for 59 yards, including an impressive 37-yard scamper on a third-down screen. He looks like his explosive self, and maybe he will stack two great years for the first time in his career.
Loser: Tua Tagovailoa - QB
Tua's stats weren't bad; he finished 7-for-8 for 95 yards. However, his fumble issues continued. He couldn't handle yet another snap, this time from under center.
One of these plays in the regular season can be the difference between a win or a loss. You cannot fail to execute the simplest of tasks as a quarterback. While I am not ready to say he will be released, he is trending toward being Michael Penix Jr.'s backup.
Winner: Vinny Anthony II - WR
Vinny Anthony is the definition of explosive. He has contributed on offense, but his real value has come on special teams. On his kickoff return late in the game, he burst right up the middle for a massive 51-yard gain.
When you can do that, you can make the roster. Kickoffs have become more important than ever, even in the NFL, and something this team has struggled with in recent years. They might have a starting kick returner in an undrafted free agent.
Loser: Jawaan Taylor - RT
We finally saw new starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor take the field and he was, well, the usual Taylor.
He looked good in pass protection, but his stubbornness in trying to get that head start on the snap. They are clear false start penalties, and yet he keeps doing it. He was called twice on Friday, and expect more in the regular season.
Winner: Harold Perkins Jr. - LB
Everyone hopes Harold Perkins Jr. will be Jeff Ulbrich's new, more athletic Kaden Elliss. On Friday night, he looked exactly like that.
The rookie finished with three tackles and a sack in limited action. We saw all his versatility while watching him at LSU, and there is hope he can call upon his freshman and sophomore self to become an NFL superstar.
Loser: Nathan Carter - RB
Every play is magnified when you are fighting for the final spot at a position, which is unfortunate for Nathan Carter.
The second-year Falcon dropped an easy catch that resulted in a Dolphins interception and the opportunity for them to tie the game with less than five minutes left. Players on the brink of the roster cannot make these mistakes, especially when other players have stood out through the two other games.
Winner: Michael Penix Jr. - QB
It isn't often you see an absent player become the winner of the preseason, but that is the case for the Falcons' former eighth-overall pick.
Penix Jr. sat back and watched his competition stink it up in his two opportunities. There was nothing Tagovailoa did that Penix Jr. couldn't do -- and he can certainly do a lot more with his arm talent.
At this point, if Penix Jr. can just catch a snap he should be the position's winner.
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