So much will be determined for the Atlanta Falcons during their three-game preseason -- even more so than previous seasons. It'll determine roster spots, settle position battles, and most importantly of all, offer our first glimpse at team looking to enter a new era under Kevin Stefanski.
Of course, quarterback will top the list of unanswered questions, and for good reason. Michael Penix Jr.'s status for the three games is very much in doubt, giving Tua Tagovailoa (spoiler alert) a leg up in the competition.
But other positions also deserve attention. Let's try our hand at projecting how each of the three units' starting lineups will look when the Dirty Birds take the field at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sep. 13.
How will the Atlanta Falcons' QB battle affect their starting offense?
- QB: Tua Tagovailoa
- RB: Bijan Robinson
- WR: Drake London
- WR: Jahan Dotson
- WR: Olamide Zaccheaus
- TE: Kyle Pitts Sr.
- LT: Jake Matthews
- LG: Matthew Bergeron
- C: Ryan Neuzil
- RG: Chris Lindstrom
- RT: Jawaan Taylor
The headliner is Tua Tagovailoa vs. Michael Penix Jr. Right now, the nod goes to the former because of his work in 11-on-11 and the preseason. He has, and will have, more time dealing with a pass rush while trying to execute a new offense. That can't be taken for granted.
Really, the only other question is whether rookie Zachariah Branch can dethrone Olamide Zaccheaus for the third spot. Zacheaus' veteran status is his advantage. It would be a technicality because we know both guys will get plenty of work regardless of who is labeled the starter.
The rookies will play a big role for the Atlanta Falcons' starting defense
- DL: Brandon Dorlus
- DL: Maason Smith
- DL: Zach Harrison
- ED: Samson Ebukam
- ED: James Pearce Jr. (Azeez Ojulari if suspended)
- LB: Divine Deablo
- LB: Harold Perkins Jr.
- CB: A.J. Terrell Jr.
- CB: Mike Hughes
- CB: Avieon Terrell
- S: Jessie Bates III
- S: Xavier Watts
The sky is the limit for the starting defensive linemen; Brandon Dorlus and Zach Harrison are coming off breakout seasons, while Maason Smith has been the chatter of the offseason.
Harold Perkins Jr. is the shocker. The rookie beats out Christian Harris for one reason: he can be Jeff Ulbrich's Kaden Elliss. His versatility allows Ulbrich to blitz him or use him as an offense's head spinner. It would be quite the rise for a sixth-round rookie.
At nickel, Avieon Terrell lands the job with Billy Bowman Jr.'s rehab status unknown. If the second-year player is healthy, I would bet him to start.
One question remains for the Falcons' special teams
- K: Nick Folk
- P: Jake Bailey
- LS: Liam McCullough
- PR: Zachariah Branch
- KR: Zachariah Branch & Vinny Anthony II
Teams have defaulted to a two-returner lineup with the new kickoff rules. Last year, the Falcons relied on Jamal Agnew, Natrone Brooks, Deven Thompkins, Dylan Drummond, and Ray-Ray McCloud at different points -- it was a disaster.
Zachariah Branch can quickly turn the misfortunes around. As for his counterpart, Vinny Anthony II has taken reps and could be a surprise contributor as an undrafted free agent.
Add us as a preferred source on Google