Takeaways from Falcons’ second preseason game

With college football just around the corner, the excitement around Flowery Branch is palpable after adding Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons. This is now a roster that can not only compete, but win the NFC. The Falcons are once again Super Bowl contenders, and Week 1 can’t come soon enough after Saturday’s second preseason game against the Ravens.

Michael Penix is ​​missing?

Of course, the Falcons found a way to create negative headlines in a meaningless game by deciding not to play Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta has been a media punching bag all offseason, so that’s just normal.

Raheem Morris said after the game that Penix is ​​ready for the preseason, citing the coaching staff seeing everything they needed to see from him in the first preseason contest. For now, everything is fine, as Penix will hopefully not see the field this season, as he sits behind Kirk Cousins. But if something goes wrong and the 8th overall pick is forced into action, he better not look like a guy who could benefit from extra preseason replays.

I don’t think a few series in a meaningless game will determine Michael Penix Jr.’s career. But I also don’t see anything wrong with letting him get as many reps as possible. Are we really worried about the risk of injury to a backup quarterback? Injuries are part of the game, and they can happen in practice just as easily as they can in a game. It’s certainly odd that the Falcons would let their top-10 rookie sit out most of the preseason knowing he likely won’t see the field at all this year.

Natron Brooks

The Falcons decided to sit all of their starters against the Ravens, and for the most part the game looked like a battle of players who wouldn’t make the 53-man roster. But Natrone Brooks was the one guy who kept popping up, making plays all over the field, and Raheem Morris loved every moment on the sideline.

At 5’11”, 175 pounds and soaking wet, Brooks is an undrafted free agent who came into camp with little chance of making the roster. But cornerback has been a weak spot in Atlanta and has certainly done enough to at least earn practice squad consideration. With another good week against the Jaguars, Brooks could even make the final 53.

Falcons 2024 Draft Class

Falcons fans didn’t get to see Penix, and Bralen Trice is no longer playing this season, but members of the draft class that played Saturday made an impact. Ruke Orhorhoro had a sack to end the Ravens’ first drive, and Brandon Dorlus put pressure on the quarterback. Fifth-round pick J.D. Bertrand also looks like a natural fit at the second level who could end up being a valuable piece of the Falcons’ defense.

Chris Blair

Like Natrone Brooks, Chris Blair was the only other player who really stood out among those competing for one of the final roster spots, catching four balls for 91 yards. With Rondale Moore out for the rest of the season, the Falcons need another wide receiver, and Blair has entered his name into that conversation.

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Photo: Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire