Studs and Duds from Falcons' preseason loss to the Jaguars
All NFL preseason games must come to an end, and Falcons fans had to be grateful to watch the final seconds of Friday's preseason finale wind down. The Jacksonville Jaguars played their starters while Atlanta opted to rest most key players in a 31-0 blowout at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The final score wasn't pretty but the Falcons should be pleased with how several of their players performed.
The team must trim its roster to 53 players by the NFL's Tuesday afternoon deadline. Which players helped themselves and which ones left us wanting more? Check out the studs and duds from the Falcons' preseason finale against the Jaguars below:
STUD: LB Donavan Mutin
Mutin went off in the final preseason game despite the lopsided score. The young linebacker led both teams with 18 total tackles (13 solo). It might still be tough for Mutin to make Atlanta's 53-man roster with Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman, Troy Andersen, and JD Bertrand in front of him. Nonetheless, Mutin improved his chances on Friday night with his physical performance. Mutin would be an ideal practice squad candidate if he doesn't make the team.
DUD: QB John Paddock
Paddock has some exciting elements in his game but it just didn't click over the last two weeks in Atlanta. The Falcons didn't do him any favors by bringing in Nathan Rourke, however, Paddock still has some work to do before he is ready to be a backup in this league. On Friday, he completed one of three pass attempts for just four yards. He's a potential practice squad candidate for Atlanta if he isn't signed to another team's 53-man roster.
STUD: DB Natrone Brooks
Brooks put together another solid game after last week's dominant performance against the Ravens. The physical defensive back had six solo tackles and has an outside shot to make the team's 53-man roster due to his special teams ability. We have Brooks just squeezing in as the sixth cornerback in our latest projection. However, it's tough to predict considering how many players are in the mix. Brooks is a surefire practice squad candidate if he doesn't make the team.
DUD: Falcons secondary
We can't be too hard on anyone here since the Jaguars started their first-team offense against mostly players who won't be on the Falcons' 53-man roster, but the secondary couldn't stop a leak against Jacksonville on Friday. Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones shredded Atlanta's defensive backs. Kevin King got some time at safety and despite making a nice tackle, he couldn't cover Engram over the middle. Anthony Johnson got beat a few times as well.
STUD: Bradlee Anae
Anae got good pressure a few times and finished with the Falcons' only sack of the night. The 26-year-old has some intriguing pass-rush ability and he likely has a chance to catch on somewhere if not Atlanta. It's tough with the Falcons' logjam at outside linebacker. The team already has Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Matthew Judon and James-Smith Williams. Anae played a good game though and deserves some credit.
Falcons 53-man roster: Final predictions
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 final cuts? Check out our final 53-man roster projection.
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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Studs and Duds from Falcons' preseason loss to the Jaguars
