Offense:
For the preseason, I usually just give the starters a pass and go straight to the back-ups; but I must address the O-line. Mike Johnson is out for most likely the entire season after dislocating his left ankle and fracturing his fibula. He was "winning" in a training camp battle against Lamar Holmes and now Holmes must step up and play at the right tackle position. Holmes got his first test last night. He started off kind of shaky as he allowed newly added Bengal, James Harrison, to run straight through him, consequently putting Holmes in Steven Jackson's way. On pass plays, Holmes stood his ground; but Matt Ryan got rid of the ball very quickly. I believe offensive linemen coach, Pat Hill, will help Lamar Holmes play up to his potential this year; So I am not very concerned.
Dear fans, please stop acting so surprised about how good Jason Snelling is. If you're a true Falcons fan, you should know that Jason Snelling has started multiple games for us and has performed well. He had over 100 all purpose yards and 2 touchdowns against Arizona in 2010 and ran for 147 yards against Tampa Bay in the season finale of 2009. Not to mention, he shoved Justin Tuck off of him during a first down run in the 34-0 blowout of the Giants last season. Snelling scored the only Falcons touchdown of the night on a dump pass up the middle. Even though it was only about a 5 yard catch and run, Snelling was pretty shifty getting into the end-zone. I truly believe that he is the x-factor of the Falcons offense.
Defense:
The starting defensive unit preformed pretty solid against the Bengals starters. Osi Umenyiora gave me something to be excited about this season when got right in Andy Dalton's face on a play and forced an incomplete pass. Corey Peters looks very healthy and I am excited to see him get back to his 2011 form. Jonathan Massaquoi was very impressive last night with two sacks. I had been hearing how he bulked up and was ready to be a monster this year, and he lived up to those reports.
While reporting live from Falcons training camp, Deion Sanders said that Robert Alford, 2nd round draft pick, could start at the corner back position immediately. After watching the game last night, I understand why Sanders said that. Alford had a couple of impressive pass breakups and showed solid tackling skills.
Easily, Paul Worrilow out of the University of Delaware, wins defensive player of the game. He had 12 tackles last night!
Special Teams:
Why do we always allow a punt return for a touchdown in the preseason?!
Most Impressive: Robert Alford, Paul Worrilow, and Jonathon Massaquoi
Most Dissapointing: Dominique Davis (He played awful. That interception in the second quarter made me cringe.)
I expected more out of: Robert Alford (in the return game), Malliciah Goodman, and Desmond Trufant
This is my first time doing a Falcons blog, I will be doing MANY more. Leave your comments below! Follow me on twitter @Lovemyatl
