Falcons' five things to watch vs. Chargers

By CHRIS VIVLAMORE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Five things to watch for in the Falcons’ exhibition game against the San Diego Chargers on Saturday night:

Going against the 3-4

The Falcons will face the Chargers’ 3-4 defense, a scheme they will see in three of their first four games — against Miami, New England and San Francisco. With their starters playing into the third quarter, the Falcons will get a healthy dose of the Chargers’ first-team defense, a quality unit that helped San Diego make the playoffs last season.

Defensive line rotation

The Falcons have been cross-training their defensive lineman, so playing time can be deceiving. However, with the extended playing time for the starters, you may get an indication of what the rotation will be like during the regular season. Of special interest: the rotation between Jamaal Anderson and Chauncey Davis at left end.

Quarterback rotation

Three quarterbacks are competing for two roster spots behind Matt Ryan. After Ryan, Chris Redman will play this week. It’s likely that D.J. Shockley or John Parker Wilson won’t play. Shockley is 9-for-19 for 94 yards with an interception in the preseason. Wilson is 6-for-9 for 55 yards and an interception. A final battle for a roster spot will come Thursday against Baltimore in the final preseason game.

Special-teams play

The Falcons will continue to audition for the punt-return job opened when Harry Douglas was lost for the season. Eric Weems appears the leader. Brent Grimes saw practice time this week returning punts. On the other side, the Falcons will see how they can defend the likes of Darren Sproles, the speedy return artist on whom the Chargers used their franchise tag during the offseason.

Return of Moore

The Falcons will finally get a chance to see safety William Moore in game action. Moore, a second-round draft pick, missed several weeks during training camp after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He returned to practice this week. Falcons coach Mike Smith said Moore will see action on special teams to begin the game and play a couple of defensive series in the second half.