The Atlanta Falcons go into the final game at home against the Baltimore Ravens. For fans wanting to watch the starters play, that is most likely not going to happen. This game will be the reserves playing the majority of the final exhibition in order to crack the 53-man roster. The players for both teams will do their best to impress their respective coaches. Jobs are on the line tonight, so expect anything to happen in tonight’s game.
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. EST, September 3
Where:Â Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Channel:Â CW69
Radio:Â 92.9 The Game
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Position Battles To Watch For:
Cornerbacks: The corners to likely make the team are Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Philip Adams, and Jalen Collins. There will most likely be only five cornerbacks carried onto the team. Undrafted free agent Kevin White will look to secure that spot, and he will be challenged by Dezmen Southward. While Southward was a third-round selection in 2014 NFL Draft, he has done nothing to help the team. He has yet to progress due to injuries, and his footwork is poor to say the least. So watch for Kevin White and Dezmen Southward tonight, as both will be competing for that last cornerback spot.
Fullback: Patrick DiMarco and Colin Mooney have both had great preseasons, Both players have played well enough to make the team, but only one will be chosen. Atlanta will select one of the two players to be on the 53-man roster. Many fans do not realize that fullbacks are very important, as they create holes for running backs and can catch out of the backfield. DiMarco had a poor ending to his 2014 campaign, but it looks like he is the one to beat in order to secure a roster spot.
Pass-Rushers:Â This one will be interesting to say the least. Tyler Starr, Stansly Maponga, and even Kroy Biermann will battle for the last spots. Starr was nothing special in 2014, but he has looked like he has been progressing in training camp and in each preseason game. He pressured Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, deflecting Moore’s pass that fell into Joplo Bartu’s hands. Maponga is the player that has the highest hill to climb, as he always seems to be injured. His athleticism is incredible to see, but he is a liability against the run. He is very strong, as his bull-rushes make coaches and fans say, “Wow.” But can he do that against an opposing first-team offensive lineman?
Kroy Biermann will make the team, as his high-motor is something the coaches love. Biermann has had a rough NFL career, as many counted on him to make plays, but he seems to always find a way to make an easy mistake. Not setting the edge, overrunning the play, not being in the right spot are some of the examples that make fans go crazy about the veteran. But he will make the team, and Maponga and Starr will battle for that last spot.
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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire