Preseason Reasons for Optimism: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons

Clint Goss

Preseason Reasons for Optimism: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons image

Falcons Cornerbacks Fighting for Their Lives

The defensive star of Game 1 vs. the Miami Dolphins? Kevin King. 

The defensive star of Game 2 vs. the Baltimore Ravens? Natrone Brooks. 

  • 13 tackles (8 solo), 1 TFL, 1 FF. 

Brooks’s roster spot is in his hands after that performance, because how do you cut him if he can replicate dominance? 

On the other hand, King’s experience in the NFL, specifically with Atlanta Falcons Assistant Head Coach Jerry Gray (Packers in 2020 & 2021), is tough to beat for the 24-year-old Brooks. Add King’s familiarity with Falcons Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake collegiately at Washington (DB coach 2014-15 & DC 2016) along with his INT in Game 1 and these two corners are battling for a spot. 

Me? Pour up Natrone

2-0 vs. 0-2, We’re Due

Jacksonville

Week 1 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: W 26-13 

Week 2 vs. Tampa Bay Bucs: W 20-7 

Undefeated in the 2023 preseason, Doug Pederson’s Jags win-handedly, with 80% of their wins by at least a touchdown.

Atlanta

Week 1 vs. Miami Dolphins: L 13-20

Week 2 vs. Baltimore Ravens: L 12-13 

3 missed Field Goals will lose a game by 1 point. Add that to the “Due” Department. With a combined 25 points in these last two games for Atlanta, conversely, the Jags routinely score 20+ per preseason contest. QB3 Taylor Heinicke brings his best tonight against QB2 Mac Jones in a hellacious backup battle. 

Clint Goss

Clint Goss Photo

Clint Goss is a Falcons and NFL writer, as well as the the on-air co-host of The Falcon Fade radio show at 99.1 WDJY and lead NFL Draft Analyst for Stadium Rant. He is a Rhetoric graduate of Georgia College & State University. A Roswell resident, find Clint at Mercedes-Benz Stadium every Sunday. You can follow Clint actively on Twitter/X @NFLDraftDome.