Jaguars vs. Falcons: Q&A with Blogging Dirty

Before the final preseason game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons, the staff at Black and Teal had a chance to talk with Blogging Dirty about the contest.

The last time the Jacksonville Jaguars met the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game, wide receiver Marqise Lee suffered a horrific knee injury and was lost for the entire 2018 season.

Lee, who is the veteran wide receiver in a crowded room of hopefuls who could make things a bit interesting with the team’s passing game. The Jaguars have talent at the skill positions and depth on the offensive line. It’s just a matter of putting it all together and staying injury-free.

As we approach game time, I had an opportunity to speak with Jeff Benedict of Blogging Dirty, the Falcons site for FanSided.com. Here are a few questions he answered about tonight’s game between the Jaguars and Falcons.

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Q: In the final preseason game of the season, which veterans are still fighting to earn a roster spot on your team? –

A: There are a few veterans fighting to make this team is Duke Riley. He has been a real disappointment since he was drafted in the third round out of LSU in 2017. He is a player that loves to hit but lacks the instincts that it takes to play linebacker in the NFL. He has been outplayed by Jermaine Grace, who has bounced around on several practice squads that last couple seasons but seems to have finally had his “ah-hah” moment and has been very good.

Bruce Carter is another veteran fighting for a spot for the same reason. The Falcons have quietly made the move to a 5-2 front and will carry more defensive lineman this year than in years past, so that means fewer linebacker spots. As I mentioned,  Grace has been a real bright spot and that will mean Carter will play elsewhere in 2019.

Q: What has been the biggest change for this team offensively this offseason?

A: The untold story of Matt Ryan’s career – offensive line play. The Falcons spent two first-round picks on the offensive line in 2019, which was long overdue. Their first pick, Chris Lindstrom has looked the part in the preseason. However, the other first-round talent, Kaleb McGary had emergency surgery a month ago and just came back to full-contact practice this week. They expect him to be ready by Week 1.

The Atlanta Falcons have a chance to start five first-round picks upfront, which has never happened in NFL history. If those guys play together and look like first-round picks, this offense will be record-setting in 2019.

Q: Is there any sense of urgency for Dan Quinn to win this season or are the waters calm in Atlanta?

A: Fans seem to think that Dan Quinn’s job is in question after a 7-9 season last year, I just do not think that is the case. If this team does not make the playoffs, I believe Thomas Dimitroff is gone, but I believe that Dan Quinn will be retained.

Quinn inherited a terribly broken locker room and has done a great job of changing the culture. His hires have been iffy, but Arthur Blank really likes what Quinn brings to the franchise.

Q: Can Devonta Freeman bounce back from an injury-riddled 2018 campaign?

A: That is the hope. When healthy, Devonta is one of the best backs in the NFL and adds another element to the passing game that most teams do not have. He has looked good in camp and says he feels better than he has since 2016; I guess we will find out against Minnesota!

Q: The Falcons make the playoffs if…?

A: The Falcons make the playoffs if they stay healthy. This is one of the most talented rosters in the National Football League led by a future hall of fame quarterback in Matt Ryan. They have the greatest wide receiver in the game in Julio Jones and have a defense that is anchored by Grady Jarrett and the best middle linebacker in the game at the moment in Deion Jones.

If this team’s main pieces can stay healthy, they will lift the Lombardi Trophy in Miami come February.