Atlanta Falcons: 3 Things to watch in Preseason Week 3
By Derek Snyder
2. Will the Falcons compete on both lines of scrimmage?
If we’re being honest, I’ve been fairly disappointed with the Falcons on both lines of scrimmage throughout their first two losses this August. Yes, it’s very hard to assess a team based upon their performance in the preseason, but if the Falcons want any shot at beating the Eagles on opening night, they have to dominate the trenches.
Needless to say, this upcoming game against Jacksonville will give Atlanta a great measuring-stick opportunity. The Jags have become phenomenally tough on both lines of scrimmage, which will definitely test the Falcons all evening long. If they can hold their own, and even get a little bit of push in the first-half, I’ll feel pretty good about their chances in Philly on Sept. 6..
As good as this Dirty Birds squad has the potential to be in 2018, they’ll only go as far as their offensive and defensive lines take them. It was obviously a big factor in the Falcons loss to the Eagles in last year’s NFC Playoffs and will become a factor once again this year, especially if they run into Minnesota in the postseason.
At the end of the day, Falcons fans need to expect improvement from both lines of scrimmage on Saturday night. Who knows, maybe if the first-team units see some serious action throughout the first-half, we’ll finally know how tough this 2018 Dirty Birds squad really is.