Baltimore Ravens-Atlanta Falcons: What to watch for

September 3, 10:02 AMAtlanta Falcons ExaminerDaniel Cox

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AP Photo/Dave Martin

Thursday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens will bring the Atlanta Falcons preseason to a close. 

For the starters and franchise players like Matt Ryan and Michael Turner, it signals the end of the preseason grind and the beginning of the routines and competition of the regular season--when the games count. 

For others, players like wide receiver Eric Weems or safety Eric Brock, it marks the final chance to make an impression on the coaching staff, in one last effort to make the squad. 

On Saturday, September 5, the team will reduce its roster size from its current 73 to 53.

Thursday's game is unique in the preseason schedule in that the starters play minimally (Head Coach Mike Smith said he wanted to get those players in and out quickly) and the backups and players competing for roster spots play significantly.

Some would say it's a boring game because the stars are not out. But watch closely and you'll see players fighting and grasping to hang on.

"This is a difficult time of the year for a lot of men," Smith said on Tuesday. "Throughout this league this is the time when the rosters get set and a lot of decisions are made."

A look at position group battles to watch in Atlanta's fourth and final preseason game:

Quarterback: The battle comes down to D.J. Shockley and rookie John Parker Wilson. Chris Redman has virtually sealed his status as the reliable backup with his play in the second half in last Saturday's win over the San Diego Chargers. Shockley has the experience over Wilson, but both players have shown good and bad moments in practice and the preseason. Wilson could be a candidate for the practice team. Smith hasn't officially said Redman is the backup, saying only that that announcement would be made 90 minutes before the first regular season game when he is forced to announce it.

Running back: One of the better competitions in the preseason is between third-year back Jason Snelling and second-year man Thomas Brown. Brown suffered an injury earlier in the preseason that caused him to miss a game. Snelling has run very strong in his opportunities; thus far in the preseason he's second on the team in rushing with 20 rushes for 84 yards. Snelling's argument is helped because of his contributions in coverage on special teams and his ability to fill in as a fullback.

Wide Receiver: There are three players that stand out that may be competing for two roster spots. Veterans Marty Booker and Robert Ferguson and second-year receiver Eric Weems seem to be the players most in the mix. Booker and Ferguson are trying to fill the slot receiver void created by Harry Douglas' injury earlier in training camp. Ferguson looked to be the early leader, but Booker has come on strong in the last two weeks, leading the team in receptions with 10 (93 yards). Ferguson only has two catches for 24 yards, but he's also made an impact on special teams coverage. Weems has had a very good preseason in games and in practice. He's still in the mix to win the punt-returner job and the fifth (or sixth) wide receiver spot.

Offensive Line: The starting five is firmly entrenched here. There is no player in jeopardy of losing his job. Smith, on Wednesday, said four players are likely competing for two spots along the offensive line. Guards Adam Speer and Ryan Stanchek, tackle Michael Butterworth, and guard/center Ben Wilkerson are likely to be those guys.

Defensive Line: Smith said on Wednesday that he expects to determine the rotation of his line as a result of Thursday's play. The head coach pointed to one defensive tackle (Jonathan Babineaux) and right defensive end (John Abraham, Kroy Biermann, and Lawrence Sidbury) as positions that he feels are "solid", but there are otherwise positions still available. Jamaal Anderson and Chauncey Davis are competing for the starting left defensive end job and Trey Lewis, Peria Jerry, Thomas Johnson, and Vance Walker are competing at defensive tackle. One of those players may not make it, but Walker is a practice team option.

Linebacker: The starters are set in Stephen Nicholas, Curtis Lofton, and Mike Peterson. The backups that appear to have won jobs are Tony Gilbert at middle linebacker and Coy Wire at the strong side. On Wednesday Smith said Robert James, Jamie Winborn, and Spencer Adkins were competing for only one or two spots. It's unlikely the Falcons will keep more than six linebackers and that final decision will also come down to special teams play. Winborn may have the edge here and James and Adkins are both eligible for the practice squad.

Cornerback: The Tuesday trade for Tye Hill throws the cornerback position into significant upheaval. Following Wednesday's practice Smith said the team hopes to continue to get a long look at rookie Chris Owens, adding that second-year player Chevis Jackson will get reps at his normal slot position, but also on the outside. Glenn Sharpe and rookies Tony Tiller and William Middleton may all find themselves on the outside looking in; however they are all eligible for the practice team. The battle at corner may be for the future starting role should players struggle early in the season.

Safety: There is a possibility of only one spot open here and it comes down to Antoine Harris, Jamaal Fudge, and Eric Brock. Brock has an interception so far in the preseason.

Additional Training Camp/Preseason coverage

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