The starters of the Atlanta Falcons did everything they needed to do in their first preseason game. Matt Ryan went 7-for-7 to cap off a touchdown drive. The defense looked much tougher than last season. The Houston Texans cannot say the same. Their starting unit struggled. Ryan Fitzpatrick did little to inspire confidence in the fan base and now trade talks have clouded the week. The Falcons look to keep the momentum while Houston needs to bounce back.
The Falcons were satisfied in their first preseason win against the Miami Dolphins. Ryan threw for 53 while going 7-for-7 on a touchdown drive that was capped off by Jacquizz Rodgers. The second preseason will feature an appearance from a player fans have been waiting for, Julio Jones. While the wide receiver might only play a series, it is big progress after he suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 5 last year. Jones is ready for he and Roddy White to lead the NFL in receiving this season so getting on the field healthy is the first step in the right direction.
The preseason for Atlanta will feature a nice competition at running back. Steven Jackson continues to sit out after injuring his hamstring. That leaves Rodgers to compete with rookie Devonta Freeman for the starting spot. Freeman impressed in the first preseason game. He rushed for 50 yards while putting up another 57 yards in receiving. Not a bad day for the rookie.
The Texans are trying to figure out their offense. Fitzpatrick was acquired to be the stabilizer of the unit. He did manage much in the first game, capping off his debut with two interceptions. Rookie Tom Savage was sacked twice. Not the performance Bill O'Brien wanted. It lead to rumors that the Texans were planning to trade wide receiver Andre Johnson for Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer. However, O'Brien has been quick to deny those ideas stating Fitzpatrick is and will be the team's starting quarterback going forward. He needs a better performance in Week 2 to help support his coach's words.
