Battle of First-Year Head Coaches
Two first-year head coaches will square off with each other on Friday night. Dan Quinn enters the game 1-0 following the Falcons' dominating home performance against the Titans. Todd Bowles makes his official debut on the sidelines of MetLife Stadium at 0-1 after his team suffered a tough road loss to Detroit last week. It's fair to say that this game won't lack defensive intensity, as both head coaches were previous defensive coordinators before becoming head coaches in the NFL. Starters Will See More Reps
Based off the usual NFL preseason progression, starters will see more reps and will likely play through the first quarter and the start of the second quarter of Friday's game. Quinn and his coaching staff are still evaluating players and want to make sure they see all they can during preseason. "As we're going further into it, some guys will play more, and we're kind of keeping it on a case-by-case study," Quinn said. "It's like, 'OK, we really need to get a good evaluation of you, let's make sure this might go into fifteen or twenty plays.' For the guys that don't need as many, so it won't be just by the unit, but we'll go by a particular player where some will go longer." Keep an Eye On: Falcons' Wide Receivers vs. Jets' Secondary
The Jets loaded up their secondary with talent this offseason and Friday's contest will feature some intriguing individual matchups. Antonio Cromartie, Darrelle Revis and Buster Skrine will be given the tough assignment of stopping Julio Jones, Devin Hester and Roddy White.
Run Game Will Be Tested
Kyle Shanahan has implemented the zone-blocking scheme in Atlanta and the running backs and offensive line are still adjusting to the new system. The Jets have arguably one of the best front sevens in the NFL, therefore Friday will provide a good early test to see how well the Falcons' running backs and offensive line compete against a strong, stout Jets' defensive line. As Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman remain questionable, keep an eye on rookie Terron Ward, who was impressive during XFINITY Training Camp. "[Terron] Ward, that's been somebody at the running back spot that's helped us and said 'OK, I'm ready to take on the responsibilities and challenges that go [with it],' " Quinn said. The Falcons' offensive line won't have to worry about facing Jets star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson as he was ruled out for Friday's matchup with a hamstring injury.
Did You Know? -The Jets and Falcons series is tied at 10-10, with the Jets winning the last meeting 30-28 in Atlanta.
- Quinn was the Jets' defensive line coach during the 2007-08 season.
- Prior to coming to Atlanta, Falcons CB Phillip Adams played with the Jets.
