The Atlanta Falcons fell short in the Hall of Fame Game against the Broncos. Which Dirty Birds came out winners and who limped out losers from the game?
Afforded the opportunity of an extra preseason game, the Atlanta Falcons ushered in a new season of NFL action on Thursday night as they took on the Denver Broncos. In what was a typical preseason game with plenty of highs and lows from both teams, the Falcons lost their 10-7 lead late in the fourth quarter, ultimately losing the exhibition matchup in Canton, 14-10.
NFL teams often don’t play their big-time players much in the preseason to begin with. But with this being an extra preseason game and with four more still to come, it wasn’t shocking that the Falcons didn’t trot out Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, Grady Jarrett or any other stars on either side of the ball for the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night.
While the star power may not have been there, though, those players not seeing the field offered the opportunity for players lower on the depth chart and the 90-man roster to try and prove themselves. Contests like the Hall of Fame Game allow these types of players to make a first impression in game action to try and make their case that they should either be kept around or even see more opportunities in the regular season.
The opportunity may be there but that doesn’t mean every player takes full advantage of the chance at hand. Some players rise to the occasion while other players falter a bit when the spotlight is vaguely pointed at them. In the midst of battles for roster spots, these varying performances matter, even if they aren’t among big-name players.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the winners and losers on the Atlanta Falcons from their Hall of Fame Game loss to the Broncos on Thursday night. We’ll start on a positive note.