Atlanta Falcons and NY Jets:

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After a good performance in the 31-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans last week, the Atlanta Falcons take on the New York Jets tonight at MetLife Stadium. Here are some final thoughts.

A chance to keep building

Last week, the Falcons? starters looked good in just about every department. On offense, Matt Ryan was slinging the football to Julio Jones with ease and it resulted in a touchdown. The defense stepped up to the plate also, applying pressure on Marcus Mariota and causing two turnovers for the rookie signal caller. Atlanta got good interior pressure throughout a dominant first quarter display.

Offensively, the Falcons will face a tougher task against a strong Jets defense. Even sans Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, who could both be out tonight, the front seven is a force to be reckoned with, and they are tough to run or pass against.

Defensively, Atlanta will need to keep running backs Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Zac Stacy in check while maintaining the likes of Brandon Marshall, Jeremy Kerley and Eric Decker in the passing game. It will be a good test to see how far the Falcons? defense has come so far under Dan Quinn. The result of this game doesn?t matter, but the performance from the starters will be key.

The return of the running backs?

After missing the opening preseason game with hamstring injuries, both Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman could return for the Jets game. If they do, we can expect them to be limited, but I would be surprised to see either in action. It will come down to late fitness tests today, but why risk either player with two exhibition games still to come?

Quinn would love to see the two of them in action with Kyle Shanahan?s zone blocking scheme, and the more reps they can get the better, but hamstring issues can linger and there?s no reason to rush them into action unless they are 100 percent healthy.

If we see either player return, they will have an opportunity to prove why they should be the lead back in Week 1 with an impressive outing against a top run defense. If neither plays, it will be down to the reserves again to continue their battle for a place on the roster.

The backup QB battle continues

T.J. Yates is currently listed as the backup to Matt Ryan on the depth chart, but this won?t be the case for much longer if he plays like he did against the Titans. In that game, Sean Renfree looked far more comfortable, albeit against weaker competition. This battle is far from done, so we will be watching closely on the performance of Yates.

If Renfree puts in another good showing, he could wind up as the Falcons? backup quarterback before long. But there?s still a lot of work for him to do if he?s to become the man to backup ?the man?.

 

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Jets on Offense

Two weeks ago, I would have said that the Jets intend to be a high-flying offense that would utilize it's good receiving corps to spread the ball out. We would likely have seen plenty of three-or-four wide receiver sets and Jeff Cumberland/Jace Amaro split out wide. However, when Geno Smith hit the locker room floor and Ryan Fitzpatrick took the reins, the plan became cloudy.

In the first preseason game, Fitzpatrick barely threw the ball. That may have just been because it's the preseason, since Chan Gailey had a high-flying attack with Fitzpatrick with the Buffalo Bills. However, Fitzpatrick's arm strength seemed noticeably weaker, so it may be a sign of things to come.

Regardless, the Jets have a good set of wide receivers. Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Jeremy Kerley are a powerful combination. Chris Owusu and Shaq Evans have been turning heads as well. Jeff Cumberland and Jace Amaro are capable receiving tight ends. The running back group is also deep. It's filled with powerful runners such as Chris Ivory, Zac Stacy, Daryl Richardson, and Stevan Ridley. Bilal Powell also adds valuable pass protecting and receiving ability.

The two question marks on offense are the quarterback (as stated above) and the offensive line. The OL looked good in the first preseason game, but it's still unclear how the two guards and right tackle will shape up.

Jets on Defense

Despite last week's inability to tackle, this is going to be a formidable group. Up front, you have one of the best defensive lines in the league with Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Leonard Williams, Leger Douzable, and Damon Harrison. Quinton Coples can also step in at defensive end in a pinch too. They can stuff the run, rush the passer, and cook a delicious five course meal for you too.

The linebacking corps is a bit of a question mark. Both David Harris and Demario Davis are good inside linebackers, but often struggle in coverage. The outside linebackers, primarily Coples, Calvin Pace, Jason Babin, and Lorenzo Mauldin are serviceable, but that's all that could be said about them.

Finally, the secondary should be hard to pass on this season. With the return of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, the Jets have a deep secondary, also having Buster Skrine, Dexter McDougle, and Marcus Williams. The safeties should be interesting to watch as well as they are talented but unproven.

Jets on Special Teams

The Jets managed to get one of the best special teams coaches in the league in Bobby April to match up with the clutch Nick Folk. Ryan Quigley can be a bit boom or bust as a punter, and it's unclear what will happen at kick returner and punt returner, although Kerley seems the favorite for PR.

 

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jets -- The spotlight will be on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the starting offense when the Jets play the Falcons on Friday night at MetLife Stadium. The plan is to play Fitzpatrick most of the first half. He needs the work: He's had only five practices and one game possession with the starters since replacing the injured Geno Smith.