Goober Pyle Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/blog/article-1/2016-Preseason-Whose-Stock-is-on-the-Rise-/4d4c98f6-dbb1-40a8-b8ac-32ed9b3ef30d?utm_campaign=Contact+SNS+For+More+Referrer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=snsanalytics With the first round of roster cuts a few days away, last Thursday’s contest against the Browns gave head coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff an important chance to evaluate their depth chart. Whose stock is trending upwards following Atlanta’s victory at FirstEnergy Stadium? The Falcons’ second exhibition game of 2016, a 24-13 win over the Browns, included plenty of encouraging moments from those battling for roster spots. Here’s a look at five players who helped their cause against the Browns. Brian Poole: Poole has made a strong case to not only make the roster, but be the team’s starting nickelback. The college free agent signing has impressed coaches and Dimitroff with his aggressive playing style, and in Atlanta’s first preseason game, he blended that intensity with technically sound football. Ben Garland: Garland has played 87 snaps thus far in the preseason, more than all but three offensive players, according to NFL Game Stats and Information. In that time, the veteran center looked reliable enough to be serve as Alex Mack’s backup in 2016. Garland “has totally jumped out to us in a big way,” Quinn said on Aug. 16 – a testament to how far he’s come since joining the practice squad last September. Brandon Wilds: With a touchdown in each of his first two NFL games, Wilds is making a big push for the Falcons’ No. 3 RB job. He’s tallied 75 yards on 18 carries, a 4.2 average, and made waves with a 32-yard score versus the Browns. He can add value on special teams, as well, especially with a 6-foot, 220-pound frame and good speed. Matt Simms: It’s unclear if the Falcons will keep two or three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, but Simms made a strong push for the No. 3 spot against Cleveland. After playing sparingly in the preseason opener, the former Tennessee Vol completed 10 of 13 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown – good for a 135.4 passer rating. Similar performances in Weeks 3 and 4 of the exhibition schedule could earn him a job behind Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub. Joey Mbu: Mbu made noise in Week 2 of the preseason by sacking Josh McCown in the third quarter. The defensive tackle worked his way onto the active roster last season and played well in limited snaps, earning a tackle for loss during Atlanta’s first matchup with Carolina. As one of the biggest players on the roster (6-foot-3, 310 pounds), Mbu could develop into an imposing presence along the defensive line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slappywhite Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Cyrus Gray, Brandon Wilds, - to bad prolly gonna just keep one, both have looked good. Matt Simms - he beats out Renfree for the 3rd QB spot , if we keep 3 Tom Compton- that big dude can move, has looked more impressive than ever to me Devondre Campbell- even though he got beat for a big pass last week, he was right there, it took a perfect pass to beat him. Mckissic- to me he has won the returners job, but his competition Devin Fuller, looks better at wr than as a returner, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewcrew Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 I think both Gray and Wilds have looked really good running the football. Teco needs to pick-it-up or watch his back. On a side note, despite some of the whining around here, I just saw on NFL.com that ATL is #1 in team offense (#2 in passing & #3 in rushing so good balance) and #4 in team defense. Let's hope to god that carries over into the regular season. I'll settle for top 3 offense and top 10 defense all-day. Huge caveat though, as 49ers are #2 in offense, so it's obviously meaningless to a large extent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peoriabird Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 19 minutes ago, Slappywhite said: Mckissic- to me he has won the returners job, but his competition Devin Fuller, looks better at wr than as a returner, I'm not sure anyone make a team anymore because of return skills...Most kick offs are going into the end zone and you then start at the 25 yard line. Teams will most likely keep the more skilled receiver if they are smart which is clearly Devin Fuller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newgafatboy Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 i like Gus Johnson over Gray. also like Goodwin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slappywhite Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 11 hours ago, peoriabird said: I'm not sure anyone make a team anymore because of return skills...Most kick offs are going into the end zone and you then start at the 25 yard line. Teams will most likely keep the more skilled receiver if they are smart which is clearly Devin Fuller. I agree partly with this and respect your opinion but in the return game its not even close, the FO needs to decide whether they want a guy whos a threat on kickoff, as we all have seen so far, or a guy who looks lost on kickoffs, his receiving skills have surprised so far, but so has Mckissic's who's no slouch there either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 12 hours ago, peoriabird said: I'm not sure anyone make a team anymore because of return skills...Most kick offs are going into the end zone and you then start at the 25 yard line. Teams will most likely keep the more skilled receiver if they are smart which is clearly Devin Fuller. I wonder if teams won't start making their opponents return, because of the 25-yard start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slappywhite Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I wish they'd move kickoffs back 5 more yards, I like this part of the game. besides, why even have the kickoff teams , if they just boot it out of the endzone, would make these ST position battles even more meaningful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mazetti Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 13 hours ago, Slappywhite said: Cyrus Gray, Brandon Wilds, - to bad prolly gonna just keep one, both have looked good. Prolly so. Nice to have depth isn't it? In addition, Coleman needs to step it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mazetti Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 47 minutes ago, Lornoth said: I wonder if teams won't start making their opponents return, because of the 25-yard start. Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawse Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Renfree is as good as done here. Simms looked really good to me. Wilds should take the 3rd spot too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4dabirds Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I like all of those picks. I also think we should keep Simms for the future as well, since Schaub is likely to hang it up after another season or 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crimsonhawk Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 41 minutes ago, Bawse said: Renfree is as good as done here. Simms looked really good to me. Wilds should take the 3rd spot too. If for no other reason than his first name isn't Matt..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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