The Morning After: Falcons' First Preseason Game Analysis

Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to The Morning After, an instant post-game analysis of all Atlanta Falcons games, from pre-season to post-season.

Last night, before a crowd of 65,726 at the Georgia Dome, the Falcons came out strong against the Kansas City Chiefs and won 20-10. 

We are going to highlight the seven most important points from last night's game, and the potential impact regarding the Falcons' quest to return to the playoffs.

7) Atlanta Displays Its Depth at CB

One of the biggest questions heading into their first preseason game was how would the secondary perform, especially with prized free agent acquisition Dunta Robinson on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Although the first unit wasn't challenged by Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, the second unit showed that they may be able to provide Atlanta with some much-needed depth in the secondary, as Chevis Jackson and rookie safety Shann Schillinger both interecepted passes on a way to a 20-10 Falcons victory.

Although the competition for the No. 2 CB spot is going to be tight, Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder can rest easier if he knows that the secondary will be a strength and not a weakness in 2010.

6) Injury Bug Plaguing Atlanta?

Going into this game, Coach Mike Smith sat down 11 players to prevent any players who were injured getting even worse going into the regular season.

There are two goals for every team in the preseason: work out any kinks on offense/defense/special teams, and STAY HEALTHY!

Stud LB Curtis Lofton went down and had to be helped off the field by the training staff.  He is said to have leg cramps. 

Also, DL Jamaal Anderson left the game under his own power, but nothing of note has been specified as of this time.

I'm sure that Coach Smith will continue to be more cautious with his starters.  Don't expect them to play much during the preseason if another starter gets even nicked up. 

5) Finneran steps in as the No. 2 WR?

When WR Michael Jenkins went on the shelf with shoulder surgery which will keep him out 4-6 weeks, it was widely speculated that Harry Douglas, who was returning from injury himself, would take his place in the starting lineup.

It was not to be as longtime Falcon Brian Finneran started the game opposite Pro Bowl WR Roddy White.  Whether it was due to Douglas sitting out isn't known, but if Finneran is going to remain the No. 2 receiver until Jenkins returns, it means we may see more passes go toward White and TE Tony Gonzalez, with Finneran playing the possession-receiver role.

4) Impressive Rookies

As usual, the highlight of any preseason game is to see what the rookies are going to do in their first taste of playing against some actual competition in the NFL. 

As usual, Atlanta's rookies didn't disappoint when given the chance.

WR Kerry Meier, a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, made 2 catches for 27 yards.  First round pick Sean Weatherspoon came out with his usual fire and registered 4 tackles.

The highlight of the night came from an undrafted player, as free agent pickup Dimitri Nance from Arizona State scored 2 TDs and caught 2 passes for 26 yards.

3) Defensive Line Delivers

You know that a healthy defensive line for the Falcons means results this year, and they showed it last night against the Chiefs. 

Kroy Biermann came up with a sack of Cassel and forced a fumble which was recovered by John Abraham.

As a matter of fact, the first-team defense held Kansas City scoreless on five of their six possessions in the first half. Lofton also registered a sack when the Falcons went on an all-out blitz.

Expect a stronger test when New England comes to the Georgia Dome on Thursday.

2) No Huddle in Effect

One of the reasons Atlanta's offense was so unpredictable in 2008 was due to their operation of the no-huddle offense, which utilized the speed of players such as RB Jerious Norwood and WR Harry Douglas.

They brought it back last night with the first-team offense, which was clicking until LT Sam Baker was called offsides and Roddy White dropped a sure catch.

It remains to be seen if Atlanta will continue to use the no-huddle but if they do, expect Matt Ryan to find more opportunities to get Atlanta into the end zone, especially with Tony Gonzalez around to make the clutch plays.

1) The Burner is Back!

Last night, Michael Turner showed that he was all the way back from an ankle injury, which ended his 2009 campaign prematurely. 

He had 4 rushes for 29 yards, including a 7-yard run on his first carry, but that's not what has fans buzzing.

Turner also caught a pass out of the backfield for six yards.  Ok, so he's no LT, but it's important to know that for a guy that has only 22 receptions in his six year career, it's a big deal. 

Atlanta is obviously trying to bring in more wrinkles in their offensive attack this year, and not rely on using Turner strictly as a between-the-tackles runner.

Now if they can get Jerious Norwood out in the flat and take advantage of his speed, then Atlanta's offense will be more dangerous than ever.