Eight Players to Watch: MIAvsATL
The first preseason game of 2014 could be an important one for several Falcons as coaches will get a live look at the progression of players on both sides of the ball
The preseason could be rookie running back Devonta Freeman's time to shine. Whether Steven Jackson was healthy or not, his preseason snaps would have been extremely limited anyway, so not much changed for Freeman when Jackson was announced as missing much of the preseason. The rookie has vision, quickness and a no-fear attitude when it comes to taking on opponents, so it'll be fun to watch him in live action Friday.
A name you may not have heard much during XFINITY Atlanta Falcons Training Camp is that of second-year defensive end Stansly Maponga, but he's impressed his coaches. No stranger to the backfield while at TCU, Maponga was a pass-rush weapon and he's looking to be that for the Falcons.
Undrafted rookie linebacker Jacques Smith made waves during the premiere episode of "Hard Knocks" for his no-nonsense attitude on the field. It remains to be seen how many defensive snaps he'll get in Friday's game, but if he starts to rack up the tackles during his on-field time, it could bode well for his roster chances.
Veteran cornerback Josh Wilson is listed on the first depth chart as the starting nickel, which means he has one of the most important positions in Mike Nolan's defense as we head into the first preseason game. He's looked great in practices, so watch to see how well that translates over to the playing field.
Rookie linebacker Prince Shembo has been turning heads during training camp, and the race between him and Joplo Bartu for the inside linebacker spot next to Paul Worrilow is close. Preseason games will be a good chance to separate from the pack and the rookie gets his first shot at that Friday.
Tough and physical, center Joe Hawley brings a brand of take-no-prisoners football to the Falcons offensive line. The starter at this point, Hawley's snaps may be limited Friday as the first-team traditionally plays about a quarter, but watch him during this time to see how he's handling the snapping duties for Matt Ryan.
Rookie tackle and first-rounder Jake Matthews has been the talk of camp. He's a brick wall, a black hole where defenders go but they disappear. Against some strong competition in the Miami defensive line, Friday marks the first big test for the highly-touted rookie.
Right behind Matthews is defensive end Ra'Shede Hageman, the Falcons' second-rounder who has been met with fanfare of his own. Hageman shows flashes of dominance in camp practices and he'll get a chance to show even more against the Dolphins.
