It takes time to figure out starting lineups in the NFL. At most positions, the audition process could take the entire preseason.
But when it comes to looking for a punt returner, it’s more obvious to see who has the skills to succeed.
And it starts with the first preseason game.
Wide receiver Eric Weems got the first four chances at punt return for the Falcons Saturday at Detroit as he’s trying to become the player to replace an injured Harry Douglas (knee).
He fielded his first attempt inside the Atlanta 15-yard line with a fair catch. His second chance was more toward the center of the field and he returned it 34 yards into Lions territory.
That play helped set up a 46-yard field goal by Jason Elam and a 10-3 Falcons halftime lead.
Weems’ third and fourth attempts each came inside his own 20. Both resulted in fair catches. They were smart plays and will likely get complimented by the coaches, but fans must be frustrated when wanting to see more of what the Bethune-Cookman product can do.
EVEN MORE IN-GAME OBSERVATIONS…
… Quarterback Matt Ryan worked the first quarter for the Falcons, completing 5 of 7 passes for 33 yards and leading one scoring drive. The first-team offense didn’t run anything too flashy (as expected for the preseason) but didn’t show many signs of rust, either.
… Michael Butterworth and Will Svitek worked at right and left tackle respectively when Chris Redman took over for Ryan and brought the second-team offense onto the field.
… I know this is a Falcons blog, but it’s worth noting for Georgia fans that Matthew Stafford — the former Bulldog and No. 1 overall pick by the Lions in the draft — came into the game with 6:31 left in the first half. He showed off his strong arm with several long, over-the-middle throws but wasn’t helped by two big drops by receiver Keary Colbert.
… The Falcons defense had some headaches in the first half but, when the dust settled, the team held the Lions to a 28 percent success rate on third down.
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9 Comments
WWWWWWWWHHHHHHAAAAAATTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!!!
HOW DO YOU LOSE TO DETROIT, ?????? C’MON, MAN LOL
They looked good! so what detroits second and third string “auditioned” better than our second and third string. You saw what our first string did to them….Doesnt look like the dirty birds are gonna skip a beat….but ya it still kinda hurt the ego losing to the lions tho…
Yeah, hope we don’t lose any of the 1st team defensive guys, because their wiley old quarterback was outrunning our entire defense in the 4th quarter. In the end our defense parted like the red sea to let the old dude run to pay dirt. wohhhh, how did I know that was comming. Come on guys, we gotta get some pressure on the quarterback.
Good work by our starters in the 1st half though. We should have won it, but hay, they got a great young quarterback in Stafford, and a real good running back with Brown. Made our guys look sloooow.
poor offensive calling in the 2nd half, was the reason we lost….. colbert dropped passes for lions but he was wide open every single time… the lions QB ran wild on us numerous time especially on that last drive when coy wire didnt stay put, he ran out for no reason at all…. we played sloppy in the 2nd half, they looked more hungry than the falcons….
losing to the lions is embarrassing… i dont care if its the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd strings in
Yeah, I agree, and why did the Falcons SIT on it late, when Detroit had their QB throwing late in the game and our coaches has Rookie QB Wilson handing off most of the time. When he did throw he was 3 for 3. What the heck is the pre season for if you can’t find out what your 3rd and 4th strings can give you? I HATE PRESEASON……it seems you really do not get to see REAL football, but you sure as heck have to pay REAL FULL PRICED ticket prices. Our Defense did not look great as a unit, esp. later in the game when our backups were in…..we really better hope that the first 11 stay healthy!
Brenda J ,you are right if anyone gets hurt on “D” it’s a wrap!
ITs preseason guys. They have to try everyone out and figure out the roster. Remember, 27 of these guys arent even GOING TO MAKE THE TEAM. That means they are gonna give up points. Relax. Defense has questions, but that is why they play FOUR games instead of 2 or 3. The offense is potent, the health of the offensive line is the only thing in question for a high-scoring season, and even then MATT RYAN is not going to have a sophmore slump. AS a matter of fact, he will emerge as one of the elite QB’s in the NFL. Atlanta is good. We are going to see a lot of shootouts! Twill be entertaining football!!! Atlanta fans should be excited!
20 year Falcons fan,
KP