PITTSBURGH — The Falcons’ reserves have had their chance, now the veterans will take center stage in the regular-season tune-up game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Heinz Field.
In addition to defensive end Ray Edwards making his much-anticipated debut, key veterans running back Michael Turner, wide receiver Roddy White, tight end Tony Gonzalez and cornerback Dominique Franks will be closely watched.
In last season’s opener, the Falcons did not score a touchdown in their 15-9 overtime loss to the Steelers.
“You always like to be productive,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “You always like to score points. We’re going to do everything that we can to get into the end zone.”
The Falcons (0-2) expect a tough test from the Steelers (1-1).
“This is going to be a big challenge and a good challenge for us because this is the team that represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last year,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Year in and year out, they’re a team that has sustainability, and that’s what we’ve talked about since we got here, being a team that can sustain [winning] from year to year.”
Here’s a look at the key veterans to watch:
Edwards: The former Minnesota Viking signed a five-year, $30 million contract during free agency. He was held out of the first two exhibition games while recovering from offseason knee surgery. While Edwards plays the run well, the Falcons need pass-rush help. He has amassed 20.5 sacks over the past two seasons, if you count his four in the playoffs. Right defensive end John Abraham had 13 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries last season. If Edwards can put together a double-digit sack season, and Abraham maintains his numbers, the improved pass rush would go a long ways to help the pass defense, which gave up 226.6 yards per game and ranked 22nd in the NFL last season.
Turner: His groin injury occurred in the second game last season, so he was full-speed in the opener against Pittsburgh, when he was held to 42 yards on 19 carries. There was no shame in that, as the Steelers went on to lead the NFL in run defense, holding opponents to 62.8 yards per game. Despite adding rookie wide receiver Julio Jones to the passing attack, the Falcons' offense still starts with its rushing attack. They want to get Turner unleashed before the regular season starts.
White: White began his spectacular 2010 season by catching 13 passes for 111 yards against the Steelers. He would go on to lead the NFL in receptions with 113, a franchise record. White has caught one pass for 13 yards in the exhibition season as the team has focused on Jones and Harry Douglas in the passing game. The Falcons want to get White more involved.
Gonzalez: This is the WWLD — What Will (Dick) LeBeau Do? — matchup. The Steelers' crafty defensive coordinator is thought of around the NFL in near-reverential terms. Last season against the Falcons, he chose to put Gonzalez in bracket coverage with a steady diet of two defenders. Gonzalez, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, was held to two catches for 35 yards. Like White, Gonzalez has caught only one pass this exhibition season. Look for him to be more involved as the Falcons try to test their re-tooled attack.
Franks: The second-year cornerback is set to make his second exhibition start. He will open at right cornerback, with Dunta Robinson (hamstring) being held out of the game. In passing situations, Franks will move inside to defend the slot receiver in the nickel (five defensive backs) package. He's had an awesome training camp and appears to be in the plans for the season. Franks, who is battling Christopher Owens for the nickel spot, should be more comfortable than he was against Jacksonville on Aug. 19, when he was solid but had a few breakdowns. Owens has a hamstring injury and will be a game-time decision.
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