The Falcons (0-2), who have dropped 10 straight exhibition games, are set to face the Jets (0-1) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Here are five things to know about the losing streak:
1. Last win: The Falcons last won an exhibition game in the finale of the 2016 preseason when they beat the Jaguars 17-15 on Sept. 1. The quarterback was Matt Simms, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 217 yards. Running back Terron Ward rushed 22 times for 62 yards and two touchdowns.
2. Last loss: Matt Simms, back with the team after Kurt Benkert suffered a toe injury and was placed on injured reserve, couldn't rally the Falcons to victory in a 34-27 loss to the Dolphins Thursday. The Falcons went for it on a fourth-and-9 from their 16-yard line and got sacked. Simms drove the backups down the field, but couldn't connect with wide receiver Devin Gray.
3. Starters to play vs. Jets: Falcons coach Dan Quinn pulled several starters against the Dolphins, but expect them to play against the Jets.
“Definitely our plan heading in with a number of the guys is to get more work,” Quinn said. “That will depend a little bit by the player, it won’t be just one unit for these extended amounts of plays. Some guys need the work, some guys need the reps. We’ll take a look on an individual basis, but for sure, we’re going to extend a lot more players in this game.”
4. Exhibition losses matter: The Falcons started 1-3 last season after going 0-4 in the exhibition season. The Falcons started 3-1 after going 0-4 in 2017, but barely squeaked by the Mike Glennon-led Bears and needed a 10-second run-off to beat the Lions. They could have very easily started 1-3.
5. Fast start in 2019: The Falcons open the season with four of their first five games against playoff teams in the Eagles, Colts, Titans and Texans. They open at the Vikings on Sept. 8. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is 3-0 against the Falcons.
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