Anybody got word on how long the coaches plan on playin the starters tonight?? I know Fred Taylor will be limited b/c he has yet to see any contact.
Playin Time
- Thread starter Sadavis65
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Atlanta Falcons - QB Rotation: Michael Vick (1st Q), Ty Detmer, Matt Schaub.
Note: Rosters must be trimmed to 65 by next Tuesday (August 30th) afternoon.
Most Falcons veterans will be used sparingly in the preseason, coach Jim Mora said. Vick took just 27 snaps all last preseason and just three in the 2004 exhibition opener. Mora indicated he'd probably follow last season's strategy of limiting Vick.
After three preseason games of experimenting with upstarts in the return game, Falcons Pro Bowl returner Allen Rossum is scheduled to get a heavy dose of action tonight. Rossum will return punts, where he earned a Pro Bowl berth last season and he will return kickoffs.
Defensively, the Falcons were easy pickings through the air and on third down last week. Five defensive starters were out, which was a factor. But 31 first downs allowed the Titans to dominate the time of possession ? 43 minutes to 17.
Offensively, the passing game ? including protection (three sacks allowed) ? remains an area of concern. Though coach Jim Mora said he expects flanker WR Peerless Price to be ready to play Thursday at Jacksonville (bruised ribs and a concussion), it could be too early to know if he'll be healthy enough to suit up.
An emphasis on protection for QB Vick: The coaches have tweaked the offensive line schemes a bit after surrendering 50 sacks last season, but it still needs work.
The Falcons have shown no signs of learning from their penalty woes, racking up 10 against the Titans to give them 30 penalties in three games for a total of 220 yards.
Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Rotation: Byron Leftwich (first half), David Garrard (3rd Q), Quinn Gray (4th Q), Nate Hybl.
With the exception of RB Fred Taylor, the other first-teamers figure to play at least the entire first half. "We'll see a lot more of the first units Thursday and look longer at both groups offense and defense," said Coach Jack Del Rio.
RB Fred Taylor is expected to make his first start of the preseason here. David Richardson, out with a knee injury since the first preseason scrimmage, worked out and may play. Also due to see more action are LB Jorge Cordova and OL Mike Pearson, both still coming back after major injuries last year.
Leftwich said he isn't concerned about the offense's slow start in the first two preseason games, and suggested that offensive coordinator Carl Smith is holding plenty back for the Sept. 11 opener against Seattle. "You haven't seen everything," Leftwich said. "You just can't."
The Jaguars also may have discovered a budding star in sixth round draft choice Chad Owens. Owens started as the third receiver ahead of veteran Troy Edwards and first round pick Matt Jones. Jones, relegated mostly to second-half duty with the reserves the past two games, has been practicing with the first-team offense as the No.3 receiver this week and is expected to do the same against the Falcons.
Secondary thin: CB David Richardson (ankle) missed last week's game. Rookie Scott Starks has been starting along with second-year pro Chris Thompson. Veteran free agent CB Kenny Wright has also been seeing time. "We're going to continue to shuffle those guys through and make it competitive," Del Rio said. "We just want to get a good, thorough evaluation before we make any decisions."
Carl Smith is the new offensive coordinator. He is a proponent of play action, something you will see a lot with his QBs in preseason. Smith said, "We're going to use the whole field this season."
Note: Rosters must be trimmed to 65 by next Tuesday (August 30th) afternoon.
Most Falcons veterans will be used sparingly in the preseason, coach Jim Mora said. Vick took just 27 snaps all last preseason and just three in the 2004 exhibition opener. Mora indicated he'd probably follow last season's strategy of limiting Vick.
After three preseason games of experimenting with upstarts in the return game, Falcons Pro Bowl returner Allen Rossum is scheduled to get a heavy dose of action tonight. Rossum will return punts, where he earned a Pro Bowl berth last season and he will return kickoffs.
Defensively, the Falcons were easy pickings through the air and on third down last week. Five defensive starters were out, which was a factor. But 31 first downs allowed the Titans to dominate the time of possession ? 43 minutes to 17.
Offensively, the passing game ? including protection (three sacks allowed) ? remains an area of concern. Though coach Jim Mora said he expects flanker WR Peerless Price to be ready to play Thursday at Jacksonville (bruised ribs and a concussion), it could be too early to know if he'll be healthy enough to suit up.
An emphasis on protection for QB Vick: The coaches have tweaked the offensive line schemes a bit after surrendering 50 sacks last season, but it still needs work.
The Falcons have shown no signs of learning from their penalty woes, racking up 10 against the Titans to give them 30 penalties in three games for a total of 220 yards.
Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Rotation: Byron Leftwich (first half), David Garrard (3rd Q), Quinn Gray (4th Q), Nate Hybl.
With the exception of RB Fred Taylor, the other first-teamers figure to play at least the entire first half. "We'll see a lot more of the first units Thursday and look longer at both groups offense and defense," said Coach Jack Del Rio.
RB Fred Taylor is expected to make his first start of the preseason here. David Richardson, out with a knee injury since the first preseason scrimmage, worked out and may play. Also due to see more action are LB Jorge Cordova and OL Mike Pearson, both still coming back after major injuries last year.
Leftwich said he isn't concerned about the offense's slow start in the first two preseason games, and suggested that offensive coordinator Carl Smith is holding plenty back for the Sept. 11 opener against Seattle. "You haven't seen everything," Leftwich said. "You just can't."
The Jaguars also may have discovered a budding star in sixth round draft choice Chad Owens. Owens started as the third receiver ahead of veteran Troy Edwards and first round pick Matt Jones. Jones, relegated mostly to second-half duty with the reserves the past two games, has been practicing with the first-team offense as the No.3 receiver this week and is expected to do the same against the Falcons.
Secondary thin: CB David Richardson (ankle) missed last week's game. Rookie Scott Starks has been starting along with second-year pro Chris Thompson. Veteran free agent CB Kenny Wright has also been seeing time. "We're going to continue to shuffle those guys through and make it competitive," Del Rio said. "We just want to get a good, thorough evaluation before we make any decisions."
Carl Smith is the new offensive coordinator. He is a proponent of play action, something you will see a lot with his QBs in preseason. Smith said, "We're going to use the whole field this season."
other news quote sources"
Tonight's a big game for the Falcons, well as big as a meaningless Preseason game can get. This is the game where we'll get a nice little preview of how the Falcons will play in the opener against the Eagles. The starter's are going to play atleast a half, maybe more. The spotlight will be on the offense, mostly the QB's and the WR'S. This is the game where we'll see if Michael Jenkin's is ready to start, If Peerless Price is ready to make the team and If any reciever can not drop a pass. The last Preseason game the starter's will only play a couple of serie's, so this is the game for the fans. For me, I would like to see atleast Two passing TD's put on the board tonight. I wish Rod White was playing but those ankle sprain's can be a bitch. The secondary will be under fire tonight also, last week the Titan's threw the ball around like they they were playing catch. This week's the second week in a row where all most of our starter's will be on the field, hopefully DeAngelo MayWeather jr will decide to stay for a while. The game will be on ESPN so i hope Vick has a big game, So I don't have to hear Mike Golic shit on him when I wake up in the morning. If also will be nice to see "The Lord of the Preseason" reclaim his crown after some rough outting's. All those thing I'll be interested in but nothing will Interest me more than watching the Reciever's work......or atleast try too..
Tonight's a big game for the Falcons, well as big as a meaningless Preseason game can get. This is the game where we'll get a nice little preview of how the Falcons will play in the opener against the Eagles. The starter's are going to play atleast a half, maybe more. The spotlight will be on the offense, mostly the QB's and the WR'S. This is the game where we'll see if Michael Jenkin's is ready to start, If Peerless Price is ready to make the team and If any reciever can not drop a pass. The last Preseason game the starter's will only play a couple of serie's, so this is the game for the fans. For me, I would like to see atleast Two passing TD's put on the board tonight. I wish Rod White was playing but those ankle sprain's can be a bitch. The secondary will be under fire tonight also, last week the Titan's threw the ball around like they they were playing catch. This week's the second week in a row where all most of our starter's will be on the field, hopefully DeAngelo MayWeather jr will decide to stay for a while. The game will be on ESPN so i hope Vick has a big game, So I don't have to hear Mike Golic shit on him when I wake up in the morning. If also will be nice to see "The Lord of the Preseason" reclaim his crown after some rough outting's. All those thing I'll be interested in but nothing will Interest me more than watching the Reciever's work......or atleast try too..
other news source quotes:
Brief glimpse of new Jags' combo
Taylor, Jones will be in starting lineup tonight; fans will get longer look at Leftwich, Vick.
By VITO STELLINO, The Times-Union
The Jaguars will put a new spin on the offense tonight against the Atlanta Falcons at Alltel Stadium.
For the first time, veteran running back Fred Taylor will be on the field with this year's top draft pick, wide receiver Matt Jones, as the Jaguars attempt to add some offensive zip in their third preseason game. But the Jaguars are likely to give fans in the stands -- the ESPN telecast will be blacked out locally -- only a brief glimpse of their top veteran running back. Coach Jack Del Rio said Wednesday that Taylor's time on the field "could be real short. It won't be real long.''
Because Taylor isn't expected to play in the final regular preseason game at Dallas next Thursday night, this will be his one cameo appearance of the preseason.
Jones, meanwhile, is likely to play longer in his first appearance as the third receiver on passing downs with the starting unit.
Jones had five catches for 93 yards playing with the backups the first two games.
Quarterback Byron Leftwich sounded excited Wednesday about the prospect of playing with both Taylor and Jones. With the exception of Taylor, the other first-teamers figure to play at least the entire first half.
"I am excited we're going to play longer,'' Leftwich said. "It is more and more like a real game. It is exciting to see Fred (Taylor) out there in the huddle and kind of get him into it.''
As for Jones, Leftwich said, "He is beginning to get his legs back and he is beginning to get faster. He is a guy that will always make plays. There are not a lot of people in this league that you can say that about.''
In the first two preseason games, the Jaguars' offense has not scored a touchdown and experienced some of the same problems as last year when they ranked 21st in yardage, 29th in scoring and 31st in red-zone offense.
Leftwich said he isn't concerned about the offense's slow start in the first two preseason games, and suggested that offensive coordinator Carl Smith is holding plenty back for the Sept. 11 opener against Seattle.
"You haven't seen everything,'' Leftwich said. "You just can't.''
While much of the Jaguars' focus will be on Taylor and Jones, Falcons playmaking quarterback Michael Vick is expected to play against the Jaguars' first-team defense for at least the first half.
"They are going to blitz,'' Vick said of the Jaguars defense. "They are going to pressure. They have a great defense, and a great front seven.''
The Jaguars have to decide how long they want to expose their starting defensive linemen to the cut blocking schemes of Alex Gibbs, the former Denver assistant who is listed as an offensive line consultant.
The Jaguars had three of their defensive linemen, Paul Spicer, Rob Meier and Tony Williams (who was injured while playing for Cincinnati), go down last year with knee injuries.
Without mentioning him by name, Spicer said during camp that Gibbs is noted for teaching his linemen techniques that can end the season of a defensive lineman.
Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher filed a formal complaint to the league about the Falcons' tactics after beating them 24-21 last week although the Falcons insist their techniques are legal.
When Del Rio was asked about the controversy, he didn't address it directly and only said, "Our philosophy is to go out and play hard and play fast.''
The Jaguars' defensive ends will get a good early test from Vick.
"If our ends keep him contained, it will be great playing against him,'' said cornerback Rashean Mathis, who will play in his first game since agreeing to a $25.5 million contract extension earlier this week. "We're going to try to make him a pocket passer.''
Brief glimpse of new Jags' combo
Taylor, Jones will be in starting lineup tonight; fans will get longer look at Leftwich, Vick.
By VITO STELLINO, The Times-Union
The Jaguars will put a new spin on the offense tonight against the Atlanta Falcons at Alltel Stadium.
For the first time, veteran running back Fred Taylor will be on the field with this year's top draft pick, wide receiver Matt Jones, as the Jaguars attempt to add some offensive zip in their third preseason game. But the Jaguars are likely to give fans in the stands -- the ESPN telecast will be blacked out locally -- only a brief glimpse of their top veteran running back. Coach Jack Del Rio said Wednesday that Taylor's time on the field "could be real short. It won't be real long.''
Because Taylor isn't expected to play in the final regular preseason game at Dallas next Thursday night, this will be his one cameo appearance of the preseason.
Jones, meanwhile, is likely to play longer in his first appearance as the third receiver on passing downs with the starting unit.
Jones had five catches for 93 yards playing with the backups the first two games.
Quarterback Byron Leftwich sounded excited Wednesday about the prospect of playing with both Taylor and Jones. With the exception of Taylor, the other first-teamers figure to play at least the entire first half.
"I am excited we're going to play longer,'' Leftwich said. "It is more and more like a real game. It is exciting to see Fred (Taylor) out there in the huddle and kind of get him into it.''
As for Jones, Leftwich said, "He is beginning to get his legs back and he is beginning to get faster. He is a guy that will always make plays. There are not a lot of people in this league that you can say that about.''
In the first two preseason games, the Jaguars' offense has not scored a touchdown and experienced some of the same problems as last year when they ranked 21st in yardage, 29th in scoring and 31st in red-zone offense.
Leftwich said he isn't concerned about the offense's slow start in the first two preseason games, and suggested that offensive coordinator Carl Smith is holding plenty back for the Sept. 11 opener against Seattle.
"You haven't seen everything,'' Leftwich said. "You just can't.''
While much of the Jaguars' focus will be on Taylor and Jones, Falcons playmaking quarterback Michael Vick is expected to play against the Jaguars' first-team defense for at least the first half.
"They are going to blitz,'' Vick said of the Jaguars defense. "They are going to pressure. They have a great defense, and a great front seven.''
The Jaguars have to decide how long they want to expose their starting defensive linemen to the cut blocking schemes of Alex Gibbs, the former Denver assistant who is listed as an offensive line consultant.
The Jaguars had three of their defensive linemen, Paul Spicer, Rob Meier and Tony Williams (who was injured while playing for Cincinnati), go down last year with knee injuries.
Without mentioning him by name, Spicer said during camp that Gibbs is noted for teaching his linemen techniques that can end the season of a defensive lineman.
Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher filed a formal complaint to the league about the Falcons' tactics after beating them 24-21 last week although the Falcons insist their techniques are legal.
When Del Rio was asked about the controversy, he didn't address it directly and only said, "Our philosophy is to go out and play hard and play fast.''
The Jaguars' defensive ends will get a good early test from Vick.
"If our ends keep him contained, it will be great playing against him,'' said cornerback Rashean Mathis, who will play in his first game since agreeing to a $25.5 million contract extension earlier this week. "We're going to try to make him a pocket passer.''
