Five story lines concerning the Falcons offense entering the season:

1. We are moving closer to the first true Matt Ryan-Michael Vick matchup in the home opener on Sept. 18. The Sunday nighter will be nationally televised by NBC. The two teams played in 2009, but Ryan was injured and Vick was a backup. Last season, Vick was injured and Kevin Kolb started for the Eagles.

2. How will the offense perform against a tougher schedule?

3. Will the offensive line, with two new starters, open holes for running back Michael Turner and protect quarterback Matt Ryan?

4. Can Roddy White, who led the league 115 catches last season and posted his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, keep getting open?

5. How much of an impact will rookie wide receiver Julio Jones have after the team made a 5-for-1 draft-day trade to move up 21 spots to select him?

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. returned to practice Thursday after suffering a groin injury. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com