Welcome to Straight from the 'Beek! The Falcons are into the third block of training camp and will play their first preseason game on Friday – and you've got plenty of questions. If you want to talk about some topics that we haven't covered or just have some general thoughts you want to get off your chest, submit those right here. Remember, all opinions here are mine unless otherwise noted.
And now your questions.
Wayne from talking Rock, GA
Greetings all Falcon fans. I haven't been reading the Beek long but do enjoy it and this is my first post. My question is this. Is there any type of training for the way quarterbacks handle a breakdown of the offensive line? I think Matty Ice gives in too easily when the pressure gets tough and goes to the ground instead of trying to fight through it. My only real complaint about him. Just my opinion. Also, my name for the defense is "Flashing Firewall" – it expresses the speed of the unit and you have to go through the fire to succeed. Thanks.
Matt: Welcome to SFTB, Wayne. I guess everyone's game can be critiqued and picked apart some – but I don't think antsy feet is a glaring problem when it comes to the Falcons franchise quarterback. The quarterbacks do go through drills with active pockets, for what it's worth.
Nick from Newnan, GA
Beek, words cannot describe how pumped I am for the season to start back. That said, what is your take on our AFC opponents this year? Also, defense name suggestion is D.O.A – Defenders of Atlanta!
Matt: It's going to be fun just to see them play a preseason game this week, Nick. There's definitely a lot of excitement and anticipation building for this season, especially with all the lofty expectations. As far as the AFC opponents on the slate this year – the Bengals, Steelers, Browns and Ravens – I'd say that the Pittsburgh game at Heinz Field will definitely be the toughest of the bunch. I'm not expecting much from the other three AFC North teams this season. And that's an interesting name suggestion.
Marterrius from Irving, TX
Hey Beek man, it's Marty checking in. I'm here to end the debate for our defense nickname. How about "Code Red"? Imagine the siren blaring in the fourth quarter – intimidation at its finest.
Matt: I'm digging the siren ... and maybe some red lights. That would be pretty sweet.
Damian from Chicago, IL
Hey Beek, I know that preseason games haven't even started yet and that anything can happen, so it might be too early to predict anything, but I have to know ... Who do you think will get to perform at the half time show for Super Bowl 53? Or better yet, which artists from Atlanta and from anywhere else would YOU like to see rock the Benz on February 3rd?
Matt: Yes, it's way too early to predict anything. Totally agree there. And to be honest, I haven't given the Super Bowl halftime show much thought yet. I think people from the Atlanta area would love to see Migos perform. Personally, I'd love to see U2 or Bruce Springsteen perform. But time will tell.
Chuck from Middletown, NY
Hey, Beek. Any chance the Falcons will be releasing a depth chart soon, especially with their first preseason game coming up?
Matt: As a matter of fact, the first depth chart will be released today! Keep checking back to AtlantaFalcons.com, Chuck.
