Football season is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable around Flowery Branch following the acquisitions of Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons. This is now a roster capable of not just competing but winning the NFC. The Falcons are Super Bowl contenders again, and Week 1 can’t get here soon enough after wrapping up their second preseason game on Saturday against the Ravens.
No Michael Penix?
Of course, the Falcons found a way to make negative headlines in a meaningless game by deciding against playing Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta has been the media’s punching bag all offseason, so this is just par for the course.
Raheem Morris said after the game Penix is done for the preseason, citing the coaching staff saw all they needed to see from him in the first preseason contest. That’s all fine and dandy for now, as Penix hopefully won’t 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 have used some extra preseason reps.
I don’t think a few series in a meaningless game are going to determine the career of Michael Penix Jr. However, I also don’t see the harm in letting him get as many reps as possible. Are we really worried about the injury risk for a backup quarterback? Injuries are part of the sport and can happen in practice just as easily as they can in a game. It certainly is odd to see the Falcons let their rookie top 10 pick sit most of the preseason, knowing he’s likely not going to see the field much at all this year.
Natrone Brooks
The Falcons opted to sit all of their starters against the Ravens, and for the most part, the game looked like a battle of players that won’t be making 53-man rosters. However, Natrone Brooks was the one guy that constantly popped off the screen. He was making plays all over the field, and Raheem Morris was loving every bit of it on the sideline.
At 5’11”, 175 pounds soaking wet, Brooks is an undrafted free agent that came into camp a long shot to make the roster. However, cornerback is a weak spot in Atlanta, and he’s certainly done enough to at least deserve consideration for the practice squad. With another good week against the Jaguars, perhaps Brooks even makes the final 53.
Falcons 2024 Draft Class
Falcons fans didn’t get to see Penix, and Bralen Trice is already out for the season, but the members of the draft class that did play on Saturday made an impact. Ruke Orhorhoro had a sack to end the Ravens first drive, and Brandon Dorlus had several pressures on the quarterback. Fifth-round pick JD Bertrand also looks like a natural at the second level that could eventually become a very valuable piece to the Falcons defense.
Chris Blair
Like Natrone Brooks, Chris Blair was the only other player that really stood out amongst guys competing for one of the final roster spots, hauling in four catches for 91 yards. With Rondale Moore going down for the season, the Falcons have a need for another wide receiver, and Blair has entered his name into that conversation.
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Photo: Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire
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