ATLANTA - The final Falcons preseason game is upon us. Sunday's competition against Cleveland is the final piece of the team's evaluation when building out its 53-man roster, although its weight is fair to debate compared to what the coach and personnel staff already know about this team. Is.
I mean, how many roster spots are actually ready to hold at this point?
The game may have been a key for some Bubble players, and also served to give some Frontline Falcons a taste of the game action. Nothing played, including Matt Ryan, Grady Jarrett, Dion Jones, Jake Matthews and Calvin Ridley.
There were still many who stood out in this preseason affair. Let's take a look at how the Falcons made an impact, good or bad, in Sunday's 19-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Fans are waiting for the entire preseason to see Kyle Pitts: No. 4 overall pick play. He was teased during the first two games when he got fit, warmed up and then stayed on edge.
The Florida product finally met in the Sunday versus Cleveland game. Hopefully you didn't get up for a beer during the first offensive series. If so, you must have missed out on his cameo.
Friend played a snap. Arthur Smith made a play to get him a touch, with a short, safe pass to the rookie tight end, which he converted into a 27-yard advantage.
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I've seen him practice all summer long, but his playing pace was so obvious. He glides, sailing through the second level without noticing that he is breaking a sweat. Pitts got the catch, weaved through the defenders, was eventually tackled after 27-yards and then came out. This made Pitt's feet wet. Smith wanted just that, and it got him out of the way without exposing him to the risk of unnecessary injury.
Josh Rosen: Less than a week at quarterback the Falcons have had a playbook. Remember when his second half performance was revisited, which included some great throws. Among them count a seven-yard touchdown pass to Juwan Green. Add a connection with Antonio Nunn on the same drive in the archive.
He didn't have a perfect day—a messy photo was a real minus, and some expected miscommunication—but he was solid enough and clearly has far better hands-on talent than Franks. Also not to forget that he performed with the third offensive line, which explains some of the sacks he took.
While we won't know whether the Falcons add a quarterback after the Final Cut, fans should feel more comfortable about Roseanne as No.
Michael Walker: The second-year linebacker started with Foye Olukun (to maintain his health with Jones), and played well during his time working the first half. He finished with six tackles in two quarters, always being around the ball as a linebacker. He is a reserve, but he will still see plenty of time during the regular season.
He has been effective as an off-the-ball linebacker and has shown some juice as a blitzer. Having depth and versatility will be key in that position, and Walker has an excellent third option that should continue to improve as he gains experience.
Youngho Koo: Falcons kicker kicks a knock from 41 yards up. Yes we Ku converts into his sleep from that distance. That's why the pro bowler is not on this list tonight. It was the grand tackle on the ensuing kickoff that really jumped out. It may not have been a real form tackle, but it got the job done and kept a big comeback from going any further.
Jalen Mayfield: The rookie offensive lineman has been around this summer, playing right tackle for a few weeks before moving in to join the left guard competition. That first-unit gig is still open as Josh Andrews hasn't gotten a hold of him, but it remains to be seen if Andrews is the best and most logical choice out there. To be honest, I don't think Mayfield is up for such a responsibility. That's fine, considering he played tackle in college. While he's had good moments, there was at least one instance on Sunday night blowing straight back. This cannot happen in a regular season game.
Felipe Franks: The rookie quarterback without a draft started Sunday's game with Ryan and newcomer Josh Rosen set for the second half. He had a better Sunday than the preseason opener or last week in Miami, when AJ McCarron was taken into action after an injury.
Franks passed 5-of-8 for 66 yards, nearly half of which came from Pitts' catch-and-run. He led a scoring drive, but never reached the end zone. While Franks has shown significant growth this summer, it's hard to imagine the Falcons rely on him enough to make him Ryan's primary backup. Maybe some time in the practice squad can help him develop at a reasonable pace and be ready to compete for a more major gig next season.
TJ Green: The defensive back is making it hard to consider biting him. He didn't lead the team in tackles or anything, but as our Tory McElhenney said, his first three defensive stops could be felt. He built them in an open field, while essentially on an island. Coaches love that stuff. They need to rely on you when you have no help. Green is also someone who can play safety and cornerback in a pinch and can be a special team player if the Falcons really keep him around.
Dwayne Johnson: The rookie with no draft has been working hard to make it to the roster in recent weeks and made a solid final impression in Sunday's game. He had several tackles and interceptions against Brown. He stumbled during the interception return, but the Falcons were able to maintain possession and set up Rosen's touchdown drive.
The security situation took a hit with Eric Harris, Duran Harmon, second-round picks Richie Grant and Jaylin Hawkins. It would be difficult to see that fifth added to the original 53-man, but Johnson is a prime practice squad candidate. His presence is certainly felt in this camp.