FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons left guard Jalen Mayfield has had two strong outings since making a shaky NFL debut against the Eagles.

He figures to remain at left guard while Josh Andrews works his way back from his broken hand.

“It’s fun,” Mayfield said. “Having a lot of fun. I’m playing in the NFL, so it’s pretty nice. I feel like every day that I come out here, I’m just trying to get better. I have great people around me to work with. I’m just trying to do the little things. Trying to do something positive to help the team.”

Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews has seen Mayfield’s progress.

“Jalen is so talented,” Matthews said. “He’s so big. He’s so athletic. He can do it all. Now, it’s just about how to make it translate on the field. He’s doing a really good job of that. Yeah, props to him, he’s improving.”

Mayfield had a false-start penalty and gave up at least one sack against the Eagles. He had to settle down. The team brought in two veteran guards to the practice squad the following week, but elected to stay with Mayfield, a third-round pick from Michigan.

“No questions, that was not what he wanted,” Matthews said of the shaky debut. “But I think it shows a lot of his character and how well he wants to do and how committed he is to the team. He came back that next day and he’s been working his (behind) off, and it’s been paying off. He’s definitely trending up.”

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Falcons’ 2021 schedule features trip to London, January trip to Buffalo

Atlanta Falcons Schedule

Eagles 32, Falcons 6

Buccaneers 48, Falcons 25

Falcons 17, Giants 14

Washington FT at Falcons, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.

New York Jets vs. Falcons in London, Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

Bye Week

Falcons at Miami Dolphins, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.

Here’s the rest of full schedule

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (left) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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