Falcons – Jaguars: Who has the edge at every position?

The Falcons and Jaguars are meeting in Jacksonville’s second home across the pond on Sunday. The London matchup will give us some football at breakfast in what is shaping up to be a competitive contest. The Jags are betting favorites, but how do these two clubs compare on paper?

Falcons – Jaguars: Who has the edge at every position?

ESPN compared each of the club’s position groups. *These are not my opinions, but I will give a comment on each.

Quarterbacks: Jaguars

I don’t think this one is even close, even if Trevor Lawrence’s numbers aren’t as impressive as last year. His track record and skill set are much more impressive than Ridder’s.

Running backs: Falcons

Travis Etienne Jr. is a hell of a back. Explosive is an understatement, but there aren’t many running back rooms that are more impressive than Atlanta’s. The Falcons feature arguably the best 1-2 punch in the game with Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson.

Wide receivers and tight ends: Jaguars

I don’t know if I necessarily agree with this one, but it’s hard to disagree with the way Arthur Smith utilizes Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Calvin Ridley is the best of the bunch, and I guess ESPN gave the nod to Jacksonville because of the depth behind him with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Evan Engram has also experienced a bit of a career revitalizer with the Jags.

Offensive line: Falcons

This one shouldn’t be as close as it has been through three games. The Falcons are a better unit in both pass and run blocking but have struggled to begin the 2023 season. We saw a top 10 group in 2022, though. I’d give them the nod because of their track record.

Interior defensive line: Falcons

David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett are an elite interior tandem. Not only is Atlanta tough against the run up front, but they get after the passer as well. It might be the strongest facet of the Falcons roster.

Edge rushers: Jaguars

The Jaguars don’t have much of a pass rush but the first-round duo of Josh Allen and Travon Walker are better than anything Atlanta has. Though Walker hasn’t quite developed as a pass rusher, the Falcons edge unit leaves a lot to be desired.

Linebackers: Jaguars

Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, and Chad Muma edge out the Falcons’ unit, which is really just Kaden Elliss. I’d say Elliss is the best of the bunch, but the Jaguars depth probably makes them better.

Secondary: Falcons

I don’t think this one is even close. Tyson Campbell is Jacksonville’s top corner, and he isn’t in the same conversation as A.J. Terrell. Moreover, Jessie Bates III isn’t just the best safety out of these two teams, he might be the best in the league.

Special teams: Falcons

Both special teams units have struggled. Younghoe Koo is off to a slow start, and the Jags let a fullback return a kickoff for a touchdown. ESPN went with Atlanta, who have a stronger track record.

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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire