Football is officially here and the 2016 preseason got underway for the Falcons on Thursday night as they hosted the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome
![RB Brandon Wilds (middle) is smothered by offensive lineman Mike Person (68) and TE Joshua Perkins after scoring on a short run](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ekopclsrf2d4liverbos.jpg)
RB Brandon Wilds (middle) is smothered by offensive lineman Mike Person (68) and TE Joshua Perkins after scoring on a short run
![DE Adrian Clayborn brings the pressure during the first half Thursday](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/fgcm1mkce1dfffdjrzce.jpg)
DE Adrian Clayborn brings the pressure during the first half Thursday
![LB Sean Weatherspoon flashes that trademark smile as he plays his first game back in the Georgia Dome since 2014](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/op8a4obautszu4k9kfol.jpg)
LB Sean Weatherspoon flashes that trademark smile as he plays his first game back in the Georgia Dome since 2014
![WR Aldrick Robinson makes a move upfield to avoid a tackle after a great catch over the middle](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/cgal1q5zjwqpjzr38tfu.jpg)
WR Aldrick Robinson makes a move upfield to avoid a tackle after a great catch over the middle
![WR Jordan Leslie takes to the skies to make a grab](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/josiwodukik7cmil3rmu.jpg)
WR Jordan Leslie takes to the skies to make a grab
![RB Devonta Freeman looks upfield during the first half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/blpeqbkqhmeprohpqsao.jpg)
RB Devonta Freeman looks upfield during the first half
![Rookie WR JD McKissic starts the second half with a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/dj2cz1srfkoppod6n1qd.jpg)
Rookie WR JD McKissic starts the second half with a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown
![Defensive linemen Brandon Williams (75) and Nordly Capi converge on Nate Sudfeld to record a sack](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/cpiu5x6njdh1sgsdqofl.jpg)
Defensive linemen Brandon Williams (75) and Nordly Capi converge on Nate Sudfeld to record a sack
![S Keanu Neal, who is not playing tonight with a torso injury, smiles during warmups](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/wrv652p5xxn1r7o6jvrc.jpg)
S Keanu Neal, who is not playing tonight with a torso injury, smiles during warmups
![QB Matt Ryan warms up prior to Thursday night's preseason game against Washington](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/aem0xjg7erkpijxujwmg.jpg)
QB Matt Ryan warms up prior to Thursday night's preseason game against Washington
![A gaggle of Falcons swarm in to make a special teams tackle](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/wnnmwugaivwytstxltyg.jpg)
A gaggle of Falcons swarm in to make a special teams tackle
![OL Ben Garland](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/c4wplbl3mtzgsuq0u7nv.jpg)
OL Ben Garland
![Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (right) chats with Redskins head coach Jay Gruden shortly after Washington arrives at the Georgia Dome](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/vthw14cjwexnowkzeafw.jpg)
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (right) chats with Redskins head coach Jay Gruden shortly after Washington arrives at the Georgia Dome
![No Title](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ushmgs6j9xkn4ioubexz.jpg)
![TE Joshua Jenkins looks for extra yardage after making a first-half catch](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/poa0qriqqk9ybcrulvho.jpg)
TE Joshua Jenkins looks for extra yardage after making a first-half catch
![QB Matt Ryan](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ppvi48aosv0ld0nslhtm.jpg)
QB Matt Ryan
![S Kemal Ishmael takes down Redskins TE Niles Paul](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/o0hvumvnnbpnmgchhef9.jpg)
S Kemal Ishmael takes down Redskins TE Niles Paul
![WR Julio Jones](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/vduw1p5bjnh9oyzimxv0.jpg)
WR Julio Jones
![C Alex Mack (left) sits on the bench before Thursday's game with fellow lineman Ben Garland](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/yps7c6ktuxdlczrc4wgr.jpg)
C Alex Mack (left) sits on the bench before Thursday's game with fellow lineman Ben Garland
![QB Sean Renfree](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ddkbuzwnfqobbwvl7btt.jpg)
QB Sean Renfree
![DE Adrian Clayborn gets in for the QB hit](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/hvearhwfxxh2quieco5w.jpg)
DE Adrian Clayborn gets in for the QB hit
![DT Jonathan Babineaux](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/mqfnurp321kajkcnlwkj.jpg)
DT Jonathan Babineaux
![LB LaRoy Reynolds celebrates after a first-half play](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ujs99ljdrsgetjif8iu5.jpg)
LB LaRoy Reynolds celebrates after a first-half play
![RB Devonta Freeman focuses as he goes through warmups](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/hzqc2slctwjrvdqgww3u.jpg)
RB Devonta Freeman focuses as he goes through warmups
![DE Brooks Reed works a bullrush against Redskins RT Morgan Moses](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/pzpv6uddlj8eqe40tsuz.jpg)
DE Brooks Reed works a bullrush against Redskins RT Morgan Moses
![FB Patrick DiMarco](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/eebwfuse5iyhcwhhtg9t.jpg)
FB Patrick DiMarco
![WR Mohamed Sanu](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/snye4xlnoinnvsg8oc94.jpg)
WR Mohamed Sanu
![LB LaRoy Reynolds claps it up after a play](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/zd4dprkwcl4sr39x2qri.jpg)
LB LaRoy Reynolds claps it up after a play
![The running backs bow in prayer shortly after entering the field](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/q63lld5gjvf0nrm5iflf.jpg)
The running backs bow in prayer shortly after entering the field
![The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders perform at midfield as the Falcons get set to face the Redskins](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ywfotukaj16xmqdtznlk.jpg)
The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders perform at midfield as the Falcons get set to face the Redskins
![Members of the Love Him, Love Them children's choir perform the national anthem](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/trrdgw9avtvojeoqt5zt.jpg)
Members of the Love Him, Love Them children's choir perform the national anthem
![DT Tyson Jackson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/i9cwsinoya32m3w5ncix.jpg)
DT Tyson Jackson
![S Ricardo Allen](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/yqsgugvlfjak5jcf7kh8.jpg)
S Ricardo Allen
![DT Cory Johnson (98) and S Damian Parms team up for a tackle](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/wzqrk4rmhktxhtpcyld0.jpg)
DT Cory Johnson (98) and S Damian Parms team up for a tackle
![Captains for both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/vmxs6o3yfffw7oryc0hk.jpg)
Captains for both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss
![LB Sean Weatherspoon smiles as the Falcons run out of the tunnel before kickoff](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/n4o54efmq0mjpbjrqxib.jpg)
LB Sean Weatherspoon smiles as the Falcons run out of the tunnel before kickoff
![QB Matt Ryan calls a play in the offensive huddle](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/n9fmmbso44qhjltpwysx.jpg)
QB Matt Ryan calls a play in the offensive huddle
![WR Mohamed Sanu](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/veghjpfro8l3apdpthss.jpg)
WR Mohamed Sanu
![FB Patrick DiMarco points to the sky as he is introduced before Thursday's game](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/jhua2tcm7xplnilrxi60.jpg)
FB Patrick DiMarco points to the sky as he is introduced before Thursday's game
![LB Tyler Starr](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/obqmp9eqqulq9bc2kgtb.jpg)
LB Tyler Starr
![Head coach Dan Quinn](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/tmhtwckfs3fl6vpdrdts.jpg)
Head coach Dan Quinn
![QB Matt Ryan](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/malwhbzbspmqzpqst3xu.jpg)
QB Matt Ryan
![Special teamers Matt Bosher (5), Matt Bryant (3) and Josh Harris listen to the national anthem](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ccysnmlmuxsih0vekfzk.jpg)
Special teamers Matt Bosher (5), Matt Bryant (3) and Josh Harris listen to the national anthem
![No Title](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/tzebhpz10tbgqecriplf.jpg)
![S Kemal Ishmael celebrates a tackle in the first half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/o21ditx2gp23gu6wrwvb.jpg)
S Kemal Ishmael celebrates a tackle in the first half
![LB Sean Weatherspoon lays a big hit on Redskins RB Matt Jones](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/hv8sbumnop5be0ovtmz6.jpg)
LB Sean Weatherspoon lays a big hit on Redskins RB Matt Jones
![CB Brian Poole eyes up a big hit on Redskins RB Matt Jones](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/t1pdwyjpejpwrk7aywpa.jpg)
CB Brian Poole eyes up a big hit on Redskins RB Matt Jones
![QB Matt Ryan looks to get set in the pocket during the first half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/juaiqwhqpetyphcvrojs.jpg)
QB Matt Ryan looks to get set in the pocket during the first half
![Tyson Jackson pumps a fist after helping make a tackle in the backfield](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/k7wovwgu8r3cnpqddj7p.jpg)
Tyson Jackson pumps a fist after helping make a tackle in the backfield
![Right guard Chris Chester chats with fellow linemen on the bench](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/udthuaklpxqyotxvnfcy.jpg)
Right guard Chris Chester chats with fellow linemen on the bench
![LB Paul Worrilow eyes up the backfield during first-half action Thursday night](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/dk2xgmuue9b3yn3dutvx.jpg)
LB Paul Worrilow eyes up the backfield during first-half action Thursday night
![WR Mohamed Sanu comes down with a catch in traffic](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/zmvnzhu5pynk6ijr6pqd.jpg)
WR Mohamed Sanu comes down with a catch in traffic
![LB Philip Wheeler pushes to make a tackle in the first half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ufob0uo7mkje2mzogels.jpg)
LB Philip Wheeler pushes to make a tackle in the first half
![WR Eric Weems wags a finger after a special teams tackle](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ncpquyaufgyva5mxk6f5.jpg)
WR Eric Weems wags a finger after a special teams tackle
![No Title](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/agn1um8zhdiu0dm1xohy.jpg)
![RB Brandon Wilds jumps to avoid a tackler](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/mconim5nncegm4sbkzrz.jpg)
RB Brandon Wilds jumps to avoid a tackler
![Defensive line coach Bryan Cox looks on as his group does work on the field](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/uo9eyloo3erdqunifrtj.jpg)
Defensive line coach Bryan Cox looks on as his group does work on the field
![DT Grady Jarrett](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/pthsze3xv9vhw0uqzr5e.jpg)
DT Grady Jarrett
![QB Matt Schaub takes off as the pocket collapses](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/urgcaa1jqaljebzckpmu.jpg)
QB Matt Schaub takes off as the pocket collapses
![Ra'Shede Hageman stands up backup center Spencer Long](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/tnksozotoeteas1ikhh1.jpg)
Ra'Shede Hageman stands up backup center Spencer Long
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![No Title](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/hlchzjnttjxk92xtkhfs.jpg)
![WR Aldrick Robinson makes a catch despite a pass interference penalty on Washington](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/wpgrtyptoziwpwz2ps43.jpg)
WR Aldrick Robinson makes a catch despite a pass interference penalty on Washington
![T Bryce Harris works to keep Redskins LB Houston Bates out of the backfield](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/eo0nz1gitjdxe0iwjcjy.jpg)
T Bryce Harris works to keep Redskins LB Houston Bates out of the backfield
![RB Tevin Coleman looks to the end zone before being stopped short of scoring](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/sizukk2uctvoteispfzo.jpg)
RB Tevin Coleman looks to the end zone before being stopped short of scoring
![RB Brandon Wilds finds the end zone on a run up the middle in the second half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/rvesipjlskcgeyg3syiv.jpg)
RB Brandon Wilds finds the end zone on a run up the middle in the second half
![Defensive line coach Bryan Cox reflects during the second half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/oxh6ejmctjzlf8marydv.jpg)
Defensive line coach Bryan Cox reflects during the second half
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![No Title](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/xp7tcjh3pbeblx6xdt08.jpg)
![QB Sean Renfree looks to pass during the second half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/quaurdb8yid26nrp1alh.jpg)
QB Sean Renfree looks to pass during the second half
![LB coach Jeff Ulbrich makes a call in to the defense](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/j7f5uvk8hntgjkt98w2c.jpg)
LB coach Jeff Ulbrich makes a call in to the defense
![RB Brandon Wilds stretches out for extra yardage as he gets tripped up](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ou7agmcr4n490comgouh.jpg)
RB Brandon Wilds stretches out for extra yardage as he gets tripped up
![DE Nordly Capi](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/jtdowypg1mdvialcx0eg.jpg)
DE Nordly Capi
![DT Cory Johnson celebrates after getting into the backfield for a sack](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/r91e7pj72n4htkkw7ru1.jpg)
DT Cory Johnson celebrates after getting into the backfield for a sack
![DL Brandon Williams](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/e2dq8w6xufhaokjkbota.jpg)
DL Brandon Williams
![DT Cory Johnson records a sack during the second half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/j1zgjivrk0ii7pesfizr.jpg)
DT Cory Johnson records a sack during the second half
![Head coach Dan Quinn and LB coach Jeff Ulbrich (left) look on as the Falcons take the field](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/hegzjlqjhqkxpfzjechi.jpg)
Head coach Dan Quinn and LB coach Jeff Ulbrich (left) look on as the Falcons take the field
![DT Ra'Shede Hageman looks on during the second half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/edxr9pyvlqebtqhkjdag.jpg)
DT Ra'Shede Hageman looks on during the second half
![LB Ivan McLennan gets into the backfield for a late-game sack](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/vos8fnga6owuew0jpexn.jpg)
LB Ivan McLennan gets into the backfield for a late-game sack
![DT Joey Mbu works to get past Redskins lineman Austin Reiter](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/v1qzfum1lpndg2lqw5sb.jpg)
DT Joey Mbu works to get past Redskins lineman Austin Reiter
![WR Justin Hardy flashes a smile during Thursday's game](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/wxkywfxoeelsvbxmiiuj.jpg)
WR Justin Hardy flashes a smile during Thursday's game
![Defensive line coach Bryan Cox was all business Thursday night](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/owiez3oewfaygjdfxeqc.jpg)
Defensive line coach Bryan Cox was all business Thursday night
![WR Devin Fuller tries to avoid a tackle](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ztfmrvqme84faqfvp6yy.jpg)
WR Devin Fuller tries to avoid a tackle
![DT Cory Johnson earns his first NFL preseason sack](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/wet3wx91juuw8zx3xt3d.jpg)
DT Cory Johnson earns his first NFL preseason sack
![No Title](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/gnma5q58ibk2cygebscp.jpg)
![QB Matt Ryan looks on during the second half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/ev6jwaj57q2dys30tsmo.jpg)
QB Matt Ryan looks on during the second half
![LB Ivan McLennan celebrates after notching a sack in the second half](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/rkfi4htj2mf6a8afwsgw.jpg)
LB Ivan McLennan celebrates after notching a sack in the second half
![Kicker Nick Rose takes a swipe at a field goal attempt](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/sc11tne6vwwssigsopkw.jpg)
Kicker Nick Rose takes a swipe at a field goal attempt
![WR JD McKissic flashes his speed on offense after showing it on special teams](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/r3w4wrzmz81ubedceqak.jpg)
WR JD McKissic flashes his speed on offense after showing it on special teams
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![LB Sean Weatherspoon](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/rbxbvlc17etdvbk5ho3s.jpg)
LB Sean Weatherspoon
![Left tackle Jake Matthews](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/lsuen4oudn7s8mswjcuf.jpg)
Left tackle Jake Matthews
![Rookie LB De'Vondre Campbell takes down Redskins RB Robert Kelley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/xs2qxqjbwdzxarbk1cfe.jpg)
Rookie LB De'Vondre Campbell takes down Redskins RB Robert Kelley
![CB Akeem King (25) lines up a big defensive stop](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/x7f8itpu7dpifzlnfnxj.jpg)
CB Akeem King (25) lines up a big defensive stop
![Matt Ryan catches up with fellow Boston College product Will Blackmon following Thursday's win](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/falcons/l6hhhy3b2cwsx058uchv.jpg)
Matt Ryan catches up with fellow Boston College product Will Blackmon following Thursday's win
In the Falcons' preseason opener, Atlanta's improved speed and physical style of play was on display as head coach Dan Quinn's squad earned a 23-17 win over the Washington Redskins.
After the Falcons' starting offensive unit couldn't get the scoring started in limited snaps, a breakout performance by fourth-year WR Aldrick Robinson in the second quarter provided the spark Atlanta needed. Robinson hauled in three Matt Schaub passes for 118 yards, including a 68-yarder that set up the Falcons' first touchdown of the night.
QB Matt Ryan played only six snaps before Schaub entered the game, when he completed 10-of-15 passes for 179 yards. Sean Renfree and Matt Simms took over in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
With RB Terron Ward being sidelined with an ankle injury and Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman seeing limited time, rookie RB Brandon Wilds, who signed with the team as a college free agent, punched one in the end zone and gave Atlanta its first touchdown of the night.
Perhaps the most exciting play of the night occurred when rookie college free agent J.D. McKissic returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown to start the second half.
The tackling element of Atlanta's game looked much-improved, as the defensive players were flying around and flocking to the ball.
Rookie linebackers De'Vondre Campbell and Deion Jones showed well in their debut as Falcons, each recording a tackle for loss.