Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterbacks
- Danny Etling: 14/24, 145 yards, 1 TD | 8 carries, 69 yards
Danny Etling was the only quarterback who played in this game as a tryout to see if he could beat out the aging Matt Schaub as the Falcons’ third QB. And he certainly made the case, as he made some good throws and showed off his speed. Etling is a feel-good story after working hard to switch positions to WR to try and make the Patriot’s roster, then getting cut and playing well in this game. If he makes this team, he could be used in a sort of Taysom Hill role for the Falcons. However, at best he is the third QB on this team (behind Schaub and Kurt Benkert), and Matt Ryan doesn’t have any sort of injury history. Stay away from the Falcons’ backup quarterbacks except in 25-person dynasty leagues.
Running Backs
- Qadree Ollison: 14 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD | 2 receptions, 13 yards
- Tony Brooks-James: 15 carries, 137 yards, 2 TD
The Falcon’s running game impressed tonight, as both Qadree Ollison and Tony Brooks-James were able to find room to run against the Jags. The fact that Devonta Freeman, Ito Smith, and Brian Hill did not play at all in this game tells me that they are the only ones worth rostering in leagues. There was some post-draft hype around Ollison, but playing in the fourth preseason game doesn’t bode well for him seeing any sort of significant playing time, at least this year. What their success also tells me is that the Falcons offensive line could be much improved from last year, they were backups playing against backups, so don’t put too much stock into it. If Brooks-James gets cut, however, keep an eye on him to see where he signs. He made some great moves in the open field, broke a lot of tackles, and was able to be highly efficient with his touches.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Devin Gray: 2 receptions, 41 yards
- Jaeden Graham: 3 receptions, 35 yards
- Olamide Zaccheaus: 2 receptions, 25 yards
- Logan Paulsen: 1 reception, 9 yards
It’s the fourth preseason game. Don’t pay attention to anything you see above. I doubt any of these players are making the team; the Falcons have three locked-in starters with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Mohamed Sanu. Justin Hardy, the likely WR4, played for a little bit but got taken out. There were no tight end stats to report of, as Austin Hooper will be the every-down starter with Luke Stocker operating as the TE2. Anyone looking for a shakeup in these projections were disappointed tonight, but it’s proof that the Falcons have excellent coaching that can get the best out of every single person on the team.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterbacks
- Gardner Minshew: 11/26, 79 yards
- Alexander McClough: 5/11, 27 yards | 3 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD
Gardner Minshew played most of the first half of this game, but did not show much at all. However, with little depth behind starter Nick Foles, Minshew will be the primary backup if Foles gets hurt. Given how he looked tonight, though, I wouldn’t want any part of him if Foles does go down. Alexander McClough came in after and led the only successful drive for the Jaguars; he was able to make some plays with his legs, including a nice TD scramble. If the Jaguars are not 100% sold on Minshew, they might keep McClough on as a 3rd QB. What this night proved more than anything is that the Jaguars paid Foles top dollar for good reason, and they are counting on him to be their QB of the future.
Running Backs
- Ryquell Armstead: 6 carries, 40 yards | 1 reception, 10 yards
- Elijah Hood: 8 carries, 71 yards | 2 receptions, 14 yards
- Thomas Rawls: 5 carries, 11 yards | 1 reception, 4 yards
Ryquell Armstead played most of this game, which could mean one of two things: either they are giving him extensive work to see if he is the clear handcuff for Leonard Fournette, or Alfred Blue is the main backup and they don’t want to get him injured. I’d lean towards the former, especially given his performance; he was used as a Fournette-lite, gaining tough yards between the tackles and catching passes out of the backfield. Fournette is going to be a workhorse if healthy and won’t come off the field much; however, he has had trouble staying on the field. Armstead is worth a look in deeper leagues, especially if you are willing to take a risk on Fournette in the early rounds. Due to pure volume alone, Armstead could be a viable RB2/FLEX play if Fournette gets hurt. Behind him, Elijah Hood showed some explosiveness, while Thomas Rawls showed none. Keep an eye out for Hood should injuries strike Fournette and/or Armstead.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Tre McBride: 3 receptions, 37 yards
- Tyre Brady: 3 receptions, 14 yards
- Donnie Ernsberger: 2 receptions, 4 yards
- Carson Meier: 1 reception, 8 yards
Nothing was gleaned from tonight in regards to Jacksonville’s receiving corps. Maybe there’s going to be a battle for WR4, and McBride could be that guy, but it won’t be a high-octane, high-flying attack anyways. Donnie Ernsberger and Carson Meier are in a tight battle for the number three tight end spot, with neither one impressing much tonight. The only draftable wideout in this offense is Dede Westbrook, and maybe Chris Conley in deeper leagues. Beyond Westbrook, it’s a crapshoot for who gets the next highest amount of targets, and the Jags want to run, run, and run some more this season, so don’t invest too heavily in this passing game.