To close out the preseason, the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-7. Tonight’s loss makes four straight for the Falcons. “We’re disappointed that we didn’t get the results that we wanted. We threw a great camp and at times we threw some great preseason football,” said Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn. “We’ve got difficult decisions ahead regarding the roster, and that is exactly what you’d hope would be the case during this time of year. Guys have really put forth their best effort. Thomas Dimitroff and I will get right back to it tonight and continue on this discussion for the team.”
Luckily, preseason success doesn’t transfer to the regular season. There have been teams that go undefeated in preseason and go 6-10 during the regular season. But what it can do for teams is showcase recent signees or draft picks and assesses their potential to make the final roster.
“It is going to be a strain mentally but stay busy,” stated Falcons tight end Eric Saubert. “Be around your guys, do what you have to do, and get in good rehab. Don’t really think about it.”
Atlanta’s only touchdown of the game came early in the fourth quarter when tight end Darion Griswold fell on a Jhurrell Pressley fumble in the end zone.
But the true story of the Falcons’ woes came from penalties. The dirty birds had seven penalties which cost them 68 yards. That loss of yardage directly impacted their performance on 3rd downs, which they converted 2 out of 10 (20% efficiency).
Quarterback Matt Simms went 11 of 15 for 195 yards on the day. There wasn’t too much efficiency with the run-game but wide receiver Marvin Hall proved reliable with three clutch receptions for 83 yards.
Atlanta kicks off their regular season Sunday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m. against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Their first home game of the regular season will be Sunday, September 17 at 8:30 p.m. against the Green Bay Packers.
-Jon J.
Photo: Hakim Wright