Instant analysis: Falcons blown out by Jaguars in preseason finale
The third game of the preseason used to be considered the dress rehearsal matchup, but teams have tended to do their own thing ever since the NFL got rid of the fourth game. The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars each took different approaches to Friday night's preseason finale.
While the Falcons benched most of their starters and notable backups, the Jaguars played their first-team units on offense and defense. The results were about what you would expect. Jacksonville dominated in a 31-0 victory over Atlanta. It wasn't all bad, though. Check out our instant analysis of Friday's preseason finale.
Offense
Taylor Heinicke got the start for the Falcons at quarterback and made some nice plays early in the game. Heinicke, who could be playing for a roster spot, completed eight out of 17 pass attempts for 81 yards. He fared better than undrafted free agent John Paddock, who completed just one of three passes for four total yards. Atlanta couldn't find the end zone but Spencer Brown found some space, rushing for 51 yards on 11 carries. Rookie wide receiver Casey Washington led the team with 31 receiving yards on two catches. Chris Blair caught two of four targets for 18 receiving yards.
Defense
While it was a bad day for the Falcons defense (31 points allowed), it's hard for third-string players to compete against NFL starters. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was surgical in the first quarter, completing eight of 10 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Mac Jones completed 13 of 18 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram was unguardable in the red zone, coming down with two touchdowns on Friday night. Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin shined with 17 total tackles. Cornerback Natrone Brooks had six solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Linebacker Bradlee Anae recorded Atlanta's only sack.
Special Teams
Bradley Pinion had a busy day, punting five times for 200 total yards (40 yards per punt). The Falcons gave kicker Younghoe Koo the night off by attempting zero field goal attempts. Atlanta had a couple of nice plays in the return game. Trey Vaval and Natrone Brooks each had kick returns of over 30 yards. Since the Falcons failed to score, the kick return defense wasn't tested much. The team allowed just five total yards on two punt return attempts.
Taylor Heinicke: Trade Bait?
NFL.com's Eric Edholm released a list of 15 players who could be cut or traded ahead of the NFL's 53-man roster deadline. "The 31-year-old Heinicke makes sense as a potential candidate to be moved," writes Edhold. "He has been an effective spot starter the past several years, even nearly out-dueling Tom Brady in a playoff game in what was only his second career start."
Heinicke made a few nice throws in Atlanta's preseason finale but it wasn't the kind of showcase game the team was probably hoping for.
FINAL Falcons 53-man roster prediction
Now that all three preseason games are in the books, the Falcons have some decisions to make ahead of Tuesday's cut deadline. How many defensive linemen will the team keep? Can Taylor Heinicke survive cut day? Check out our final 53-man roster projection.
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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Instant analysis: Falcons blown out by Jaguars in preseason finale
