[cmg_cinesport url="http://cinesport.ajc.com/embed/ajc-atlanta-sports/d-led-starters-shine-depth-concern/"]
(Matt Ryan and the first team offense started hot, but the reserves couldn't hold a 14-0 lead in a 30-22 loss to the Jets. The AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter & CineSport's Courtney Fallon discuss.)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Falcons, after losing to the New York Jets 30-22, have today off.
They’ll have a walk-through on Sunday before taking Monday off. They’ll return to practice on Tuesday before facing Ndamukong Suh and the Miami Dolphins at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Sun Life Stadium.
It will be time to start cutting player after this game.
This from Roger Goodell's office:
Sept. 3: Final preseason games.
Sept. 5: Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.
Here are a couple of players who are hot and some are not as the first cut down day looms:
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
WHO’S HOT
--Quarterback Matt Ryan is on fire.
--Leonard Hankerson is looking like a strong replacement for Harry Douglas.
--Rookie defensive end Vic Beasley gave Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson the business on bull rush and a nice inside spin move.
--Both fullbacks, Collin Mooney and Patrick DiMarco have made plays in the games.
--Backup running back Michael Ford had score touchdowns in both games.
--Punter Matt Bosher might be ready for a breakthrough Pro-Bowl season.
--Linebacker Allen Bradford continues to make plays and is very active.
WHO’S NOT
--The offensive line can’t open any holes.
--Running back Jerome Smith, who was having a strong camp, can’t put the ball on the ground.
--Falcons coaches have been on cornerback Robert Alford about his holding onto receivers. He needs to clean that up, especially if he’s going to play nickel back in the slot.
--Center Joe Hawley can play to sound of the whistle, but can’t get any penalties.
--Cornerback Dezmen Southward is having a tough time with the conversion to cornerback. He needs to keep plugging away
--Cornerback Jalen Collins needs to step it up, too.
--Could Jon Asamoah be on the trading block? Why did he play 43 snaps in a second exhibition game? The Bucs, Raiders, Steelers, Eagles, Redskins, Saints, Texans, Lions, Cowboys, Browns, Ravens and Giants were on hand to scout the game. Also, Toronto Saskatchewan and Calgary of the Canadian Football League were in the house at MetLife.
TRAINING CAMP 2015 -- CAMP QUINN
Julio Jones adds another gear to his speed
Brooks Reed slowed by hip strain
Julio Jones has no update on his contract status
Matt Ryan: Falcons have to get ball to Devin Hester
Jacob Tamme believes Falcons can have a dynamic offense
Matt Ryan sees new offensive attack coming together
Devonta Freeman-Tevin Coleman competition heats up on second day of camp
MARK BRADLEY COLUMN: Dan Quinn's plan for the Falcons: 'Outhit people'
Veterans determined to rebound in 2015
POSITION BY POSITION LOOK AT THE TEAM
Thursday – Fullbacks/Tight ends
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