The NFL schedule was released last week as the Falcons are slotted to take on the Jets, Lions, and Jaguars in the preseason. According to James Johnson of USA Today Sports, Atlanta will also hold joint practices with Jacksonville.
“We are scheduled right now for Atlanta [to have joint practices with], which is our last preseason game,” Doug Pederson said. “For us, it’s our fourth and it’s their third. Our preseason schedule right now is set as far as opponents and times. I’m just waiting on Atlanta to get back to me on a time because they play the Monday night before our preseason game and then we’re supposed to have joint practices with them. So coach [Arthur] Smith and I will just get together probably early next week and iron that out.”
The Falcons matchup with the Jags is currently listed with a “TBD” designation but should become available sooner rather than later. We’ll provide an update when news breaks.
Joint practices are an excellent chance for both teams to get a grasp of where they stand. The Falcons should get some valuable reps against good competition, despite the Jags’ underwhelming personnel.
Atlanta’s horrid offensive line will match up against Josh Allen, Folorunso Fatukasi, and first overall pick Travon Walker. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and the unproven receiving core will square off with Shaquill Griffin, Darious Williams, and Tyson Campbell. Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder will also see former Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun, among other Jags defenders.
The Falcons’ young defense will have decent competition with Jacksonville’s offense as well. Trevor Lawrence will be handing off to Travis Etienne Jr. and James Robinson while throwing passes to Christian Kirk, Marvin Jones Jr., Zay Jones, and Evan Engram. The Falcons will be trying to get past Cam Robinson and Brandon Scherff to pressure Lawrence too.
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