Maponga Impressing: Stansly Maponga played more defensive snaps (45) than any other Falcon on Friday, and he made the most of that opportunity by registering a sack in the fourth quarter. That highlight, in addition to several other productive reps, earned him the team's second-best pass rush grade on Pro Football Focus. Dan Quinn is happy with the way Maponga has progressed since offseason workouts and believes the young defensive end can contribute in several areas moving forward.
"He has done a good job," Quinn said. "It was great to see him get the rush. I think he's really improved on special teams. That's been a big emphasis with him and Coach Armstrong going through it. So that's also a role for him, too."
More Playing Time for Starters:As Julio Jones mentioned on Tuesday, many (if not all) of the Falcons' starters are expected to get more playing time on Friday than they did against Tennessee. Jones, Matt Ryan and other members of the first-team offense left after just one possession; most of Atlanta's top defenders were taken out by the end of the first quarter.
"As we're going further into it, some guys will play more," said Quinn. "We're kind of doing a case-by-case study. So it's like, 'OK, we really need to get a good evaluation of you. Let's make sure this might go into 15 or 20 plays.'
"It won't just be by unit, but we're kind of going by a particular player where some will go longer."
Expectations High on Offense:Atlanta had one of the NFL's best offenses in 2014, and the team undoubtedly expects to finish near the top again this year. By retaining key players and adding the likes of Jacob Tamme, Leonard Hankerson, Justin Hardy and Tony Moeaki, Kyle Shanahan's unit looks primed to reach its goals.
"Expectation level is high," said Tamme. "That's what you want. I don't really know what people on the outside say; I don't really care, I don't really listen to it. All I know is what this group is about."
Ishmael Steps In: The injury to William Moore has given Kemal Ishmael an opportunity to work with the first-team defense, and based on several days of practice, he's done a fine job in that slot. Ishmael filled in for Moore last year at strong safety and believes the new playbook and general approach of Quinn's staff will help maximize his ability.
"I think it's the tackling," Quinn said of Ishmael's skill set. "I felt the (physicality) from him. For his mindset to go after the ball, he's really applied himself in terms of the techniques and the principals we want—both in tackling and playing our coverage. He's somebody who's absolutely gone for it from the start of the offseason now here into training camp."
Injury Update: Ra'Shede Hageman suffered a concussion during Tuesday's practice, according to Quinn. The young defensive tackle is going through the league's concussion protocol and will not play on Friday in New York. Moore (calf) sat out again is considered day-to-day. Peter Konz is dealing with knee soreness and missed practice, as well. Running backs Devonta Freeman (hamstring) and Tevin Coleman (hamstring) practiced with the rest of the team and have yet to be ruled out for Week 2 of the preseason. Brooks Reed (hip/groin) is on track to play against the Jets.
