Eight Falcons to Watch: Falcons vs. Titans
With the third preseason game featuring a slew of starters for more than a half, here are eight players to keep an eye on Saturday night
He's been explosive all preseason, and if running back Antone Smith can continue those big plays, he could be looking at much more involvement in the Falcons offense.
Second-year quarterback Sean Renfree doesn't look hampered mentally or physically from missing the 2013 season with a shoulder injury as he fights for the backup spot behind Matt Ryan. Ryan will play into the second half, but Renfree could be the guy to take over the reins the rest of the way Saturday night.
Sam Baker's injury pushed Jake Matthews into the starting left tackle role and Saturday night will provide the first look at how well he's taken to the position.
Rookie linebacker Prince Shembo got a lot of looks with the first-team Falcons defense during practice this week and it stands to reason that he could see a lot of time in Saturday's game against the Titans.
Julio Jones saw his first live game action last week in his return from a 2013 foot injury and he'll get a long chance to continue to develop his rhythm with quarterback Matt Ryan on Saturday.
Could Kemal Ishmael be the Week 1 starter at safety next to William Moore? Last week, Moore said he likes Ishmael's chances. While he likely won't start Saturday night, he'll be looking to put together a set of game film that makes the decision difficult on Falcons coaches.
Going hand-in-hand with the move of Matthews to left tackle is Lamar Holmes taking over the right tackle spot. He took his lumps last season yet he's put together a nice preseason so far. He'll look to continue that Saturday as he vies for the full-time starting spot on Matt Ryan's right side.
Defensive end Tyson Jackson will have a sizey test in front of him this week as he battles Tennessee guards Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack. The defense comes and goes based on the penetration players like Jackson can get in the middle, so how he works against the two talented interior linemen could be worth watching.
