Jaguars vs Falcons: 4 Rookies in the Spotlight on Thursday Night Football

Although it may not appear to be a big game at first glance, when the Falcons and Jaguars meet on Thursday night, there's more at stake than meets the eye.

Atlanta is hoping to remain an NFC playoff contender, Jacksonville is hoping to ruin that, and both have rookies needing to continue developing. In turn, that will ensure a much more prominent future.

So, here are four rookies to look for when The Dirty Birds and Jaguars kickoff in Week 15.

Julio Jones: WR, Falcons

After coming off arguably his best game this season against Carolina on Sunday, Atlanta rookie WR Julio Jones still needs to continue his dominance.

The Falcons need him to become an even more well-establishing receiving target before the playoffs, that way there's less pressure on the running game and QB Matt Ryan. To that end, however, the Jaguars know they must stop him to stop Atlanta's passing game.

Therefore, expect Jones to see a lot of double-coverage and mostly press coverage at the line of scrimmage. In order for Jacksonville to have any shot at blanketing him, they must be physical and wear him down.

Jones' combo of size, strength and speed is what makes him great, so the only way to shut him down is to match that with two defenders. As for Julio, it'll be an interesting test to see how he fights through such coverage and how he responds if the targets aren't coming too much.

Here, we see even more growth and development from the dominant rookie.

Blaine Gabbert: QB, Jaguars

This week is a good week for Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert because Atlanta has a vulnerable pass defense.

On the year, the Falcons rank No. 22 in pass defense and allow just over 240 yards per game. Now, Jacksonville does have the NFL's worst passing offense and only gains 140.8 yards per game.

That being said, however, Gabbert literally has no legit targets to throw to and RB Maurice Jones-Drew is the Jags' lone legit offensive weapon. So, this game will be a test as to whether Gabbert is able to make those around him better.

Jones-Drew's production in rushing as well as on screens and check-downs will be key to assisting Gabbert, but Blaine must stay patient in the pocket and spread the ball around. Atlanta doesn't have a menacing pass rush either, so he will also have the time to throw.

Gabbert's not a bust just yet and here's to hoping Jacksonville gets him a stud WR in the draft. As for this game though, we will see a glimpse of whether he can truly develop into an NFL QB.

Kevin Rutland: CB, Jaguars

Due to a barrage of defensive injuries, expect the Jaguars to turn to rookie CB Kevin Rutland once again. He's definitely been a solid contributor this season, as Jacksonville does rank No. 4 against the pass (allowing 190.8 yards per game).

Rutland has seen time in every game since Week 2 and picked off his first pass last week against Tampa Bay. So, it is definitely fair to say that Rutland is heading into Thursday's game with confidence, but the Atlanta passing offense will be a challenge.

Whether he's in single coverage, has help over the top or to the inside, Rutland will have to be responsible for guarding a "pick your poison"-esque team with Julio Jones, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, and Tony Gonzalez.

Not to mention RB Michael Turner.

In any event, we'll definitely see Rutland either step up to the challenge or make some rookie mistakes. Plus, for the Jaguars to have a chance at winning, he must lock it down on every play.

Jacquizz Rodgers: RB, Falcons

The third down back for Atlanta, rookie Jacquizz Rodgers has been an excellent complement to starter Michael Turner on a weekly basis.

On the year, Rodgers may have just 172 rush yards but he also has 160 receiving yards, so for having limited action, his dynamic skills have paid off. And last week he scored his first TD of the year and has accounted for as much as 60 total yards in a game.

Obviously that's not very much, but for a backup rookie who's restricted to a specific role, he produces and is quite reliable. He's also a solid pass-blocker, therefore look for him to be in the pocket for QB Matt Ryan when the Jaguars blitz.

Then, perhaps where he's most dangerous is in the open field after picking up the blitz. With the defense having already made their drops, Rodgers will be the safety outlet for Ryan and he's done just that in 2011.

In crucial situations where it's an obvious time to pass the ball, expect Rodgers to be in the backfield and an overlooked aspect of Atlanta's solid offense across the board. Hence, when his number is called he will perform.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27