After that horrendous showing against the Denver Broncos last week, the Atlanta Falcons looked poised and dominant against the Indianapolis Colts.
It was great to see because all week the reports coming out of joint practices were spun against the Falcons. It seemed like every tweet was a dig at Tua Tagovailoa and the rest of the team. Even if it was the backups, at least this gives the fanbase a little more hope.
There were clearer winners this week, so let's take a look at those, as well as the very few losers.
Falcons winners and losers from their bounce-back performance vs. Colts
Winner: DeMarcco Hellams - S
The yearly edition of DeMarcco Hellams being named a preseason winner. The former seventh-round pick showed out this week from the moment he saw his first action.
In the Colts' second drive, Hellams made three straight tackles during the six-play drive. Not only was he making the tackles, but he was making them with authority. He isn't scared of anyone, and you know Jeff Ulbrich is proud of him.
The fourth-year safety gives this team valuable depth on the backend.
Loser: Dylan Drummond - WR
Dylan Drummond is in a heated competition for the final couple of spots. So far, he has been the odd man out.
Vinny Anthony and Chris Blair have both proven they should make the roster, and newcomer Beaux Collins also made an outstanding grab down the sideline. Meanwhile, Drummond has a combined two catches for 22 yards through two games.
On Saturday, nine players had at least 10 receiving yards - Drummond had eight yards.
It appears Zac Robinson's buddy won't be here much longer.
Winner: Quarterbacks
It was quite the showing for the two backups to the backup. Cooper Rush came out efficient and finished nearly perfect, going 10-for-11 for 86 yards. That was the performance he needed after last week's debacle.
Then came undrafted free agent Jack Strand, who showed everyone that the excitement was for good reason. He was slinging the ball all over the field, with a few beautiful down-the-sideline passes. He finished 12-for-17 for 212 yards and a touchdown, along with nine rushes for 22 yards and a touchdown
A combined 22-for-28 for 298 yards a touchdown -- and Strand's rushing numbers -- isn't too bad. What a difference a week makes.
Loser: Andrew Stueber - OG
There were a whole lot of penalties in Saturday's game, and Andrew Stueber did his part with two holding penalties on one drive.
The competition is for a backup spot with the top two guys cemented. Kevin Stefanski will look for someone who won't make the big mistakes that put the team behind the sticks -- his offense isn't constructed to overcome those situations. So if Stueber is prone to mistakes, he doesn't have a spot on the roster.
Winner: Cameron Sample - DE
Cam Sample flashed all game long. The veteran recorded three tackles, two pressures, and a sack. He was the leader of a defensive line that dominated the Colts' offensive line. He was a big reason why the defense held Indy to six points.
Loser: Azeez Ojulari - OLB
Things don't look good early for a player who has to show up during the regular season for the Falcons to come close to their 2025 sack production.
Azeez Ojulari didn't do anything against the 2s, 3s, 4s, or anyone -- he didn't even show up on the stat sheet. The fact that he was played throughout the game tells us the coaching staff is concerned.
Winner: Cash Jones - RB
Something you look for in preseason games is who gets the most opportunities -- that was Cash Jones.
The former Bulldog showed why he has a chance to make this roster. He looked energized, quick, and powerful. He ran the ball with authority and showed that he can still make plays through the passing game. He finished with seven carries for 41 yards and a team-high four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown.
His route to making the 53-man roster is made easier with his ability to make plays on the ground and through the air.
To finish, Tyler Goodson also deserves a shoutout with his six carries for 59 yards, and that impressive 49-yard touchdown run.
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