Rosen v. Franks, Starters Debut Highlight Final Preseason Game v. Browns
There are many more questions than answers for this Atlanta Falcons team headed into the final preseason game. Who will be the backup quarterback? What kind of production can be expected out of the offensive line? What kind of play should we expect from the starters? These are but a few of the questions that Smith and company will need answered. But, addressing these will be key to the development of the team throughout the season.
The Case of Rosen v. Franks
All rise! As in, who’s going to rise to the occasion this Sunday and lock down the Falcons backup quarterback position? Let’s look at the facts of the case for a second.
Feleipe Franks was picked up by this regime as an undrafted free agent back in May of this year. He’s had an entire offseason from OTAs to training camp learning this system and getting timing with the receivers. He’s had a chance to directly work with Arthur Smith and see what Smith wants from a quarterback. And with the unfortunate injury to A.J. McCarron, Franks seems to be all but locked into the backup quarterback job.
However, amidst the same injury, a new, intriguing challenger presents themselves in the form of Josh Rosen. Rosen’s NFL journey is a story within itself as the former first-round pick hasn’t found a home to call his own.
This may be the chance that Rosen has needed to land himself firmly on an NFL depth chart. Franks hasn’t looked good throwing the football throwing for an abysmal 33 percent completion percentage for no touchdowns and one interception. He’s dazzled a bit with his running ability, but the offense hasn’t run efficiently with Franks at the helm. If Rosen shows a better control of the offense, he may have a chance to steal this job right out from under the former Arkansas product.
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Final Test in the Trenches
Part of the reason why Franks nor McCarron has had a true chance to shine has been the horrid play of the offensive line throughout the preseason. They were the worst, 32nd ranked offensive line, that lined up the first week of the preseason, according to PFF. The offensive line has been a constant question for Falcons fans throughout the off-season.
Inconsistent play from additions Jalen Mayfield and Josh Andrews has done nothing but raise more questions about the viability of the offense behind this line.
Veteran starters Chris Lindstrom and Jake Matthews have not made their 2021 debuts yet and are expected to this Sunday. However, they may have picked one of the worst possible teams to debut against. The Cleveland Browns sport notable names along the defensive line such as Jadeveon Clowney, Malik Jackson, and Myles Garrett. All of which are looking to make a statement headed into the 2021 season.
Lights, Camera, Action!
It’s almost the time for what football fans call the “dress rehearsal” ahead of the season opener for the Falcons. There’s been a ton of speculation as to when the starters will finally play, most notably rookie Kyle Pitts. Arthur Smith has assured us that Pitts is “on schedule” with his development. And that both he and quarterback Matt Ryan are “where they need to be” as far as the offense goes.
The defense, more specifically the secondary, is full of new faces. They go up against a Cleveland receiving corps deemed one of the best in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how Dean Pees’ scheme will look against a Super-Bowl contending offense.
Falcons Final Preseason Game
This is the Atlanta Falcons final preseason game. This is the final chance for the team to make a statement before the September 12th opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith, Ragone, and Pees have a chance to make a statement against a team with a lot of hype behind it in the Browns.
A chance to show the fans of Atlanta that they are not in a rebuild, but a reload. That the Falcons are ready to cause havoc in the 2021 season.
