The Atlanta Falcons will be one of two teams who will get the pleasure of having five preseason games this year. Despite the extra game, it's still likely we see minimal work from the Falcons' starters in their exhibition schedule.
After two preseason games, the Falcons are 0-2 after being defeated by the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Most recently, Dan Quinn witnessed his team lose to the Dolphins by the score of 34-27.
Luckily, wins don't matter in the preseason as the games are just used for depth players to earn their spots on the 53-man roster. Currently, most teams have nearly 90 players on their roster to get a look at as many players as possible ahead of the regular season.
Heading into preseason Week 2 action, the Falcons will hope to see some development from some of their players when they face the New York Jets. The Jets are coming off of a 31-22 loss against their inner-city rival New York Giants.
Here are three players to watch for the Falcons as they take on the Jets at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 2 of the preseason.
3. Matt Schaub
Before the Falcons kicked off in the Hall of Fame game, there seemed to be a battle for the backup quarterback position. Matt Schaub was expected to be named the backup again, but there were murmurs that undrafted rookie Kurt Benkert was impressing in training camp.
Unfortunately, in the Hall of Fame game, Benkert sustained a toe injury that would land him on injured reserve. Before the injury, Benkert completed 19 0f his 34 attempts for 185 yards and a touchdown.
There seemed to be a competition between Schaub and Benkert heating up, but now the team signed Matt Simms to replace Benkert. Even with Benkert being sidelined, Schaub's job isn't secured just yet and the veteran will need to showcase why he should remain as Matt Ryan's backup.
Schaub had an abysmal preseason opener against the Broncos, completing just 28.6% of his passes for 10 yards and an interception. His performance against Denver began to make his seat hotter moving forward.
Then, in Atlanta's second preseason game, the 38-year-old fared better against the Dolphins. Schaub completed 12 of his 19 throws and had 172 yards. Even with Simms on the roster, Schaub will still need to earn the backup role again.
2. Kendall Sheffield
After watching their secondary falter in 2018, Atlanta knew they'd need to draft a player to improve their group of defensive backs. As a result, the Falcons selected Kendall Sheffield in the fourth round in this year's draft.
Sheffield, an Ohio State product, became a two-year starter for the Buckeyes from 2017-2018. Overall, Sheffield had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during his time at Ohio State.
Earlier this offseason, the Falcons released Robert Alford after the cornerback spent six seasons with the franchise. His release made room for Isaiah Oliver to step into a starting role alongside Desmond Trufant.
For Sheffield, it's unlikely he earns a starting role, but he still will want to show improvements to make his way up the depth chart. The rookie cornerback can continue his productive preseason against the Jets in Week 2 of the preseason.
1. Qadree Ollison
The Falcons will get Devonta Freeman back in their offense and Ito Smith shined in his rookie campaign in 2018. Nonetheless, Atlanta used one of their draft picks at the running back position.
In the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Atlanta selected Qadree Ollison out of Pittsburgh. At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, Ollison could carve out a short-yardage role in Koetter's offense.
Last season at Pittsburgh, Ollison rushed for 1,213 yards on just 194 carries and found the end zone 11 times. The Falcons' backfield may be crowded, but Ollison is attempting to work his way into becoming a weapon in the offense.
Through two preseason contests, Ollison has rushed for 43 yards on 14 carries and has hit pay dirt once. The rookie running back will want to repeat the success he had against the Dolphins when Atlanta squares off against the Jets on August 15th.
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