The Falcoholic
Atlanta Falcons preseason football has concluded with a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Raheem Morris’ staff has some tough decisions ahead; it’s anyone’s guess who will fill the reserve roles in multiple rooms.
The backup offensive line turned in another unsightly performance. Rookie Jack Nelson doesn’t look rosterable, but neither do the veterans that the Falcons rushed to sign in the offseason. Brandon Parker has been a turnstile, and it doesn’t look like the answer to Kaleb McGary and Strom Norton’s absence is currently on the team. The coaching staff will have to get creative if McGary is out long-term.
The cornerback room is still a big unknown after tonight’s game. CJ Henderson made a respectable case for a roster spot. The late addition to camp got plenty of run time and had a PBU to go along with some sound coverage. Dee Alford turned in another volatile performance and is a legitimate cut candidate after a rollercoaster camp. Mike Ford has also been so bad on defense that his special teams play may not be enough to justify his spot.
It was a quiet game from Natrone Brooks, but I’d consider that a positive. Cobee Bryant finally made an appearance, but unfortunately, he made Joe Milton’s highlight reel and got flagged for a brutal pass interference call that put the ball at the one. Lamar Jackson and others like Keith Taylor also underwhelmed and likely won’t make the team.
It was a tale of two halves for the Falcons presumed QB3 Easton Stick. He completed 15/19 (79%) of his passes for 145 yards and a touchdown in the first half. He followed that up by going 5/9 for 53 yards and an interception playing deep in the fourth quarter. Stick’s job as emergency quarterback isn’t in jeopardy (yet). Ben DiNucci debuted with a questionable interception, and things didn’t really pick up from there.
Nick Nash put on a show with six receptions for 87 yards and likely secured a spot on this team’s practice squad if he clears waivers.
Preseason is finally over, and we will see if the Atlanta Falcons conservative methods pay off. It wasn’t always pretty, but they got a good look at this team’s depth. Now the hope is that they can find a few gems that will help contribute in 2025.
