Falcons: Trial And Error This Week Against The Jets
By Brian Mickens
After edging past the Tennessee Titans in their preseason opener, the Atlanta Falcons will travel to New York Friday to face the New York Jets. The Falcons headed into their 13th practice of training camp Monday which was open to the public.
They will look to keep the momentum going into the game Friday, however the road could get rough for the Falcons due to injuries. Running backs Devonte Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Antoine Smith are all recovering from hamstring injuries. Veteran running back Evan Royster was signed by the team Sunday putting him in the rotation with rookie Teron Ward, second-year running back Jermone Smith and newly signed Michael Ford. Could Royster be the spark the Falcons need at the running back position? Only having two starts his NFL career, both with the Washington Redskins, Royster ran for 100+ yards in back-to-back games making him the 2nd leading rusher by the end of his rookie year. Not saying he will save the running game for the Falcons but after the team rushed for a total of 69 yards on 32 carriers, anybody should have a chance.
On the defensive side of the ball a few players could also miss out on the action due to injury. Defensive back Desmond Trufant, Brooks Reed and Cliff Matthews are currently not listed to play Friday due to previous injuries.
The Jets were unable to even break the pylon against the Detroit Lions last week, with kicker Nick Folk only adding a three-point field goal to the score board. So the Falcons should fair well against the Jets Friday, especially on defense. After forcing the Titans into three turnovers and scoring off a forced fumble, it looks as if the Dan Quinn's defensive scheme could work well. Only time will tell if the Falcons can remain healthy to continue to compete at an high level throughout the season.
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