The Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals are finishing up a few days of joint practices with their first preseason game in the Georgia Dome. The game will not feature any sort of quarterback competitions or highly publicized position battles, but both coaches are more focused on seeing how rookies step up to the challenge of their first NFL game experience.
The first task for the Falcons in the preseason is to find the right combination for the offensive line. Right tackle Mike Johnson went down earlier in the week with a season-ending leg injury. It was a big blow for the Falcons who are already thin on that area of the depth chart. In Johnson's place, Lamar Holmes will get the start and a chance to prove himself. Holmes has played in just one NFL game in his career so the preseason is crucial. If Holmes is not up to the task, the Falcons will be forced to look within free agency which does not present too many better options.
The biggest position battle for Atlanta will come with their rookie cornerbacks, Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford. At least one rookie will likely get the Week 1 start on defense. Whichever back emerges as the better player will get the go-ahead. Both have impressed so far in training camp, leaving the coaches thrilled at their options.
The Cincinnati Bengals will be bringing their Hard Knocks crew into Atlanta for the game. Linebacker James Harrison will be making his debut with the team on Thursday after departing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. Along with Harrison, the Bengals have some of the best options to pressure Matt Ryan and the Falcons' quarterbacks all night. Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson will be all over the field.
The Bengals have put up two-starting playoff appearances as quarterback Andy Dalton begins to hit his stride as the team's leader. A.J. Green did not make the trip to Georgia, but BenJarvus Green-Ellis will get in some quality on the field.
It is the first week of preseason action and the ultimate goal is no one to end injured. Each team will hit each other at full speed, but the score really does not matter.
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