X-Factor: What will Julio Jones and Deion Jones contribute after no exhibition game action

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones and linebacker Deion Jones are set to play in the regular season opener after not playing a own of exhibition season football.

They will be the X-factors with the Falcons face the Vikings on Sunday.

Julio Jones, who’s situation also revolves around his contract situation, doesn’t put much stock in not playing in the exhibition season.

“I haven’t played in a (exhibition) season game the last four years,” Jones said.

Julio Jones is looking forward to going against Minnesota cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

“It’s a hard fought battle,” Julio Jones said. “He’s a guy that comes to work every day. Very long. He plays the game the right way. I love playing against him. He’s a good cornerback.”

Deion Jones was rehabbing a foot injury for most of the exhibition season.

“Both of them in practice have looked on point,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “It was good to see Deion back (at practice). The speed that he plays with just jumps out to you on tape.”

Deion Jones is coming back from a broken foot. He returned to play the final five games last season, but said he didn’t have any additional offseason surgery.

“It’s been good to have him back for a few weeks to make sure he had his details down,” Quinn said. “That was a big piece because he didn’t get the offseason work due to his injury, too.”

Julio Jones and quarterback Matt Ryan have been working on their timing.

“With Julio the whole way through what I admire about him and Matt is the constant communication,” Quinn said. “He’s always asking questions. They are always digging into landmarks and where to go, that kind precision is what you are looking for. They are the X-factors for sure, but thankfully for us, they have been putting in the work with the team.”