Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Talking Young Players

First let me say this: I don’t know how many more times I can listen to another conversation between the game announcers about the new kickoff rule. We get it, you don’t like it, get over it.

Now moving on. Unlike the Falcons and Steelers, the Jaguars and Falcons have nplenty of players who will make an impact for the team this year.

I’ll post this now and try to update it live throughout the night and also recap th game a bit when it’s over.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Deji Karim

Very nice return. He hits the hole fast and hard and is making the most of his opportunity tonight. He caught a little screen pass and made some moves to get 26 yards. He looks very explosive.

Cecil Shorts

The rookie out of Mount Union had a reverse opportunity early in the first quarter but fumbled the ball which was recovered by the Falcons. Tony Siragusa commented that Cecil Shorts should have immediately fell on the football once he lost it instead of trying to scoop it up and run with it. The next series he had a nice out patter for 16 yards and a first down and also another 12 yard button hook pass.

Tyson Alualu

Easily the most questionable first round selection last year continues to show that the Jaguars might know a little something, something about scouting. He continues to collapse the pocket (one time that sticks out in my mind is when he forced Matt Ryan into an intentional grounding penalty. Collapsed the pocket a few more times, chased around Matt Ryan quite a bit.

Blaine Gabbert

First series was a three and out. Early in his second series he had a pass deflected at the line which nearly resulted in an interception. He hasn’t gotten off to a great start tonight, though he did have a nice completion on a third down and 10 that resulted in a first down. He held onto the ball for too long and took a sack (Eugene Monroe gave up the sack). Showed of his excellent arm though early and often, could develop into a good N.F.L. player (obviously…that’s why he was drafted in the first round), but probably better that he’ll have at least a year to learn. He struggled with accuracy despite making some nice passes and showing some nice touch on his passes.

Atlanta Falcons

Sean Weatherspoon

As I’m writing this right now in the first quarter, Sean Weatherspoon has been impressive showcasing his sideline to sideline speed and ability that made him a first round pick last year. Last year he didn’t have a great season 42 tackles in 11 games apperances, but he is on track for a much better season this year. He also had a fumble recovery and half a sack so far with a little over a minute thirty to go in the first half.

Julio Jones

No catches yet. Think he was called for an illegal motion. Not quite as impressive as last week, but the talent is undeniable. The Falcons offensive line seemed to be getting manhandled by the Jaguars defensive line so the opportunity for big pass plays wasn’t as great.

The first pass of the second half went to Julio Jones.

Peria Jerry

The former first round pick just missed a sack on the last Jaguars drive of the first half, but also got injured on the play. Forced a pressure on Gabbert around the two minute warning. A healthy Jerry could be real good news for the Falcons defense this year.

Harry Douglas

Boy oh boy does he look fast. He had a huge 76 yard touchdown reception and also another 11 yard reception the analysts commented on how much the players on the team were talking about Harry Douglas as the WR to break out and not Julio Jones. Douglas only had 294 yards receiving last year, but with the presence of Julio Jones and another year of development he could have a breakout year this season.

Jacquizz Rodgers

First run he sliced and dices for seven yards and then caught a pass the next play for three yards. The third play he touched the ball he got 9 yards. Looks good early for the Falcons and eventually could be the number two running back ahead of Jason Snelling, but probably not anytime soon. It’ll be interesting to see if he can be as effective if he gets any touches early in the game next week. Looks really nice running the ball into the End-zone, but it got called back on a holding call.

Rodgers is giving the Jaguars all sorts of trouble. They just can’t bring him down with the first hit. He’s been impressive tonight.

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