After pulling out a 27-23 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 1 of the preseason, the Atlanta Falcons will face off against the New York Jets on Monday night to conclude Week 2.
The game starts at 8:00 p.m. ET and will air nationally on ESPN. While it doesn’t look like Falcons rookie WR Drake London will play, there are a handful of starting jobs up for grabs and several players fighting to make the 53-man roster.
Here are seven Falcons players to watch during tonight’s prime-time preseason matchup.
1
OLB DeAngelo Malone
Malone was drafted in the third round this past April, and while he’s more raw than second-rounder Arnold Ebiketie, he should get meaningful reps this season as a rotational outside linebacker. We don’t have to remind you about the Falcons’ lack of a pass rush in recent years, so it’s nice to see them use the draft to address this position rather than throwing big money at another overvalued free agent. Malone should get plenty of reps against the Jets on Monday night.
2
WR Jared Bernhardt
Whether he’s catching a game-winning touchdown pass or burning Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner during a practice rep, Falcons WR Jared Bernhardt keeps defying the odds. With Bryan Edwards and Drake London both missing time in training camp, other receivers have been forced to step up. Bernhardt has always been a long shot to make the roster, but if he keeps making plays, he could sneak in as the team’s final receiver — especially if Atlanta keeps six wideouts.
3
CB Dee Alford
Alford came away with the defensive play of the game in Atlanta’s preseason-opener and as we examined earlier this week, the former CFL standout is potentially playing his way onto the team’s 53-man roster. Nickel cornerback Isaiah Oliver doesn’t appear to be back at full strength quite yet, so Alford is much more than a feel-good story. Also keep an eye on Mike Ford and Corey Ballentine in the secondary.
4
RB Tyler Allgeier
Allgeier is someone who Falcons fans and fantasy football players will be watching closely during Monday’s game. The fifth-round pick was wildly productive at BYU, and averaged 8.3 yards per carry last week in his preseason debut. Allgeier is still buried on the team’s unofficial depth chart, but perhaps he can get more than three carries on Monday night and show both fans and potential fantasy owners what he can really do.
5
DT Timmy Horne
Horne went undrafted out of Kansas State but may have landed in an ideal situation with the Falcons. Not only is Horne a powerful presence on the interior, he plays a position where the Falcons have had some injuries (and one retirement). Horne played well in his preseason debut. With another good performance against the Jets he could be in position to make the team’s 53-man roster.
6
OT Kaleb McGary
The Falcons made it clear which former first-round pick they valued more by picking up Chris Linstrom’s fifth-year option and declining Kaleb McGary. Thus far at camp, the right tackle’s performance has been encouraging. A contract year can often serve as the wake-up call a player needs, and the Falcons would greatly benefit from an improved McGary this season.
7
QB Desmond Ridder
In Atlanta’s preseason opener, the third-round pick displayed the poise he was known for at Cincinnati and led the Falcons to a 27-23 comeback win over Detroit. Ridder was far from perfect, but his fourth-down touchdown pass to Jared Bernhardt gave fans a glimpse of his potential. In the game’s biggest moments, Ridder shined the brightest. It will be interesting to see how well he plays under the bright lights on Monday night.
Ridder 🤝 Bernhardt
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