With only one game left before the roster is cut down to 53, player evaluation for final roster spots is what Thursday's game is all about. Having said that, you can expect to see everyone that is healthy see at least some time on the field tonight. This will be the last time head coach Dan Quinn will be able to get a good look at his players before finalizing his roster.
The Falcons and Ravens both enter the game at 1-2 on the preseason and both clubs will use this game as a final tune up and end on a high note while looking to keep their first team players healthy.
Keep an Eye Out For:
Tevin Coleman: In his first preseason game, the rookie out of Indiana saw limited action with only four carries. It seems that Thursday's game will be a different story now that Coleman has one NFL game under him and is seemingly more comfortable. "We're hoping to get him more work, he's lookedterrific in practice this week," Quinn said.
Jalen Collins:
Baltimore does not have a clear cut No. 2 receiver yet and I expect to see the ball in the air a lot more than usual. The Ravens offense is built around having a strong ground game, but as the passing attack, I see more opportunity to evaluate Collins on Thursday. Collins will be challenged against the Ravens' wide receivers all night and it will be a good chance for him to showcase his skills. "Jalen Collins has put together some really good games in the last couple of weeks, and the details to it, the sharpness that he's playing with," Quinn said. "I want to see him continue to take another step."
Falcons Will Focus on Fundamentals:
Quinn has emphasized the importance of fundamentals from the start and this message remains the primary focus for the final preseason contest. The Falcons will continue to implement Quinn's style with concentration on becoming a finishing team. This has been a struggle of late as the Falcons have turned the ball over six times and now have a -1 turnover margin in the preseason. "It's right at it for us, and after that I want to see our style come through, the effort, does that jump out?" Quinn said. "Look how hard these guys play, absolutely trying to out hit people, and then the finish."
Ravens Secondary vs. Falcons Wide Receivers
As the Ravens continue to evaluate the depth within their secondary they will likely pay special attention to the matchups on the outside. The Falcons are loaded with depth at wide receiver and the Ravens have a lot of guys fighting for the last 1-2 spots at cornerback.
Did You Know?
- WR Julio Jones played with Ravens LB C.J. Mosley and Courtney Upshaw at Alabama in 2010. Jones and Upshaw won a national championship together in 2009 for the Crimson Tide.
- LB Paul Worrilow played with TE Nick Boyle at Delaware from 2011-2012.
- Guard Chris Chester played for the Ravens from 2006-2010.
- LB Allen Bradford and Ravens FS Will Hill were teammates in 2013 for the New York Giants.
