After looking solid in their first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, the Atlanta Falcons took a step back against the Houston Texans. The offense looked sloppy as the starters failed to convert on third down. The offensive line could not hold Jadeveon Clowney and company and they allowed the Texans to march down the field with ease. Now they team must bounce back as they face an underrated offensive attack of the Tennessee Titans.
The Falcons' offensive line struggled in the second week of the preseason resulting in a season-ending injury to left tackle Sam Baker. This is exactly what the Falcons did not need heading into 2014 after last season was marred by injuries across the board. Baker is out and now rookie Jake Matthews is in. The first-round draft pick will switch to the left side while Lamar Holmes likely fills in on the right. The Falcons are putting a lot of faith in the rookie and Matthews is ready for the challenge.
The Atlanta secondary will get tested on Saturday against a strong looking wide receivers corps of the Titans. Through two preseason games, young receivers like Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter are looking strong along with Nate Washington. The Falcons secondary will have their hands full. Desmond Trufant returns as a starter rotating in with Robert Alford. Players like Javier Arenas and Jordan Mabin are fighting for roster spots and could use this game for help.
Jake Locker is back and healthy for the Titans showing little rust in the past two games. He went 8 for 11 for 75 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, backup rookie Zach Mettenberger is looking great after recovering from an ACL tear. He went 20 for 25 for 269 yards and two touchdowns while playing a majority of the game. The Falcons do not have that luxury as TJ Yates and Sean Renfree have been quiet this preseason.