Atlanta Falcons Roster Cuts: Analyzing The 53-Man Roster And Practice Squad

Atlanta Falcons Official Roster Cuts: Kerry Meier, Mike Cox Among Releases That Trim Roster To 53 Players

The Falcons completed and officially announced their final round of cuts on Friday, reaching the league-mandated maximum roster of 53 players just before the deadline.

The players released, according to Jay Adams of the team's official website, are as follows:

• RB Dimitri Nance
• FB Mike Cox
• WR Kerry Meier (waived/injured)
• WR Drew Davis
• WR Marcus Jackson
• WR James Rodgers
• TE LaMark Brown (injury settlement)
• OT Bryce Harris
• OG Andrew Jackson (injury settlement)
• C Tyler Horn
• DT Micanor Regis
• DT Conrad Obi
• OLB Spencer Adkins
• OLB Jerrell Harris
• LB Rico Council
• LB Pat Schiller
• CB Dominique Franks
• CB Peyton Thompson
• CB Marty Markett
• S Suaesi Tuimaunei
• LS Joe Zelenka

Additionally, the team placed safety Shann Schillinger on injured reserve, rounding the team out at 53. Notable players to make the team include QB Dominique Davis, FB Lousaka Polite, OG Phillipkeith Manley, and CB Robert McClain.

However, if a player with under three years experience clear waivers, they become practice-squad eligible. The Falcons can add eight such players to their practice squad at noon on Saturday.

For more on the Falcons, be sure to check out The Falcoholic. For news and notes around the NFL, hit up SB Nation's NFL hub site.

Atlanta Falcons Roster Cuts: Dominique Davis, Phillipkeith Manley Make 53-Man Roster

The flurry of Falcons roster activity has continued through the afternoon as the team works toward its ultimate goal of a 53-man team.

As players learn their fate throughout the day, many take it upon themselves to inform the public whether they've made the team or not. Two such players are QB Dominique Davis and OG Phillipkeith Manley, who have both made the final roster, according to their Twitter accounts:

It's official! #dirtybirds #riseup

— Dominique Davis (@D_DavisECU) August 31, 2012

Made the 53! Officially an atlanta falcon!

— phillipkeith (@PkManley78) August 31, 2012

Both players were undrafted free agents signed in the wake of the 2012 NFL Draft. While Davis clearly impressed throughout the preseason, so much so that the team cut both John Parker Wilson and Chris Redman, the rookie guard Manley went far more unnoticed through camp and exhibition games.

In addition, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC is reporting that both WR Drew Davis and OT Bryce Harris have been released, but appear headed for the practice squad:

Falcons roster updates: WR Drew Davis & OT Bryce Harris also have been released. If they clear waivers, practice squad. shar.es/7Ed8k

— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@AJCFalcons) August 31, 2012

With Davis' release, there is strong speculation that local product Kevin Cone will make the team as the No. 5 wideout. The final, official decisions, however, do not have to be made until 9:00 PM, so stay tuned.

For more on the Falcons, be sure to check out The Falcoholic. For news and notes around the NFL, hit up SB Nation's NFL hub site.

Atlanta Falcons Roster Cuts: Dominique Franks, Spencer Adkins Among Reported Early Releases

The Falcons have begun trimming down their roster to the required 53, and news of the cuts has begun to trickle out via Twitter accounts from across the league.

Among the initial cuts reported to have been made--and keep in mind that none of this has been made official yet--are CB Dominique Franks, OLB Spencer Adkins, TE LaMark Brown, C Tyler Horn, DT Conrad Obi, and LB Pat Schiller:

A bit of a surprise: #Falcons release CB Dominique Franks, I'm told. Had been their No. 1 punt returner. Will get plenty of interest.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2012

Falcons cut linebacker Spencer Adkins, per a league source

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) August 31, 2012

Brown and Horn broke the news of their release personally, via their own accounts:

Very grateful for the opportunity the Atlanta Falcons organization gave me and I wanna thank the fans for all of the support...

— LaMark Brown (@LBrown_85) August 31, 2012

Well @atlanta_falcons it's been a lot of fun. I appreciate the opportunity and privilege to participate in an NFL training camp. Thank you.

— Tyler Horn (@Tyler63Horn) August 31, 2012

Franks is easily the most surprising name on this list. A fifth-round pick in 2010, he was expected to make a run at the punt returning job and fill in as a reserve cornerback, but poor coverage in the preseason was his undoing.

Brown should see a practice offer, given his high upside at tight end, with Tommy Gallarda in all likelihood being kept around as the No. 3 tight end. Unless, of course, the Falcons do something wild like signing Chris Cooley.

The Falcons now sit at 69 players, meaning they have 16 more cuts to make, and that's not even considering any potential trades the team could make before the cut deadline, so stay tuned.

For more on the Falcons, be sure to check out The Falcoholic. For news and notes around the NFL, hit up SB Nation's NFL hub site.

Atlanta Falcons Preseason: Analyzing The First Round Of Roster Cuts

Corey Peters's Absence A Blow To The Falcons' Defense

Corey Peters was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on Sunday, ensuring that he won't play for the Falcons until after Week 6 of the NFL season. That isn't good news for Atlanta, as Peters has gone from third-round draft pick to the anchor of the Falcons defensive line against the run. The Falcoholic's Dave Choate writes that Atlanta needs Peria Jerry to continue to step up in Peters's absence.

"The key here? Getting Peters healthy as soon as possible, of course, but also Peria Jerry playing well. If he can step up at last, if Jon Babineaux is his usual effective self and Vance Walker and Travian Robertson can chip in as part of the rotation, the Falcons will survive the first six weeks. Make no mistake, though, this hurts the defense."

This injury gives Jerry, Walker and Robertson an opportunity they might not have got had Peters been healthy.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons check out The Falcoholic. For more news and notes from around the NFL head over to SB Nation's NFL page.

Falcons Waive John Parker Wilson, Place Corey Peters On Reserve List

The Atlanta Falcons successfully cut their roster to 75 players on Sunday by requesting waivers on third-string quarterback John Parker Wilson and by placing defensive tackle Corey Peters on the reserve/non-football injury list.

Wilson has spent the last two seasons as the Falcons' third-string quarterback after being signed originally as a college free agent. The move is good news for Dominique Davis who now looks like a sure thing to make the final roster as at least the third-string quarterback.

Peters has been nursing some sort of injury since before training camp started. By placing him on the reserve/non-football injury list, Peters won't be able to return to the active roster until at least Week 6 of the regular season.

The two moves put the Falcons at 75 players a day ahead of the league-mandated deadline of 4 p.m. on Monday. The Falcons will have to cut down to 53 players by Aug. 31 and can assemble an eight-player practice squad on Sept. 1.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons check out The Falcoholic. For more news and notes from around the NFL head over to SB Nation's NFL page.

Falcons Depth Chart: Team Trims Roster To 77 Players

The Falcons have cut their roster down to 77 after releasing eight players and reaching agreements with three others on Saturday. The team still has to cut two more players before Monday's 4 p.m. deadline.

Atlanta waived tight end Chase Coffman, linebacker Max Gruder, kicker Erik Folk, running back Richard Medlin, fullback Lee Meisner, defensive end Louis Nzegwu, wide receiver Kenny Stafford and tight end Aron White.

The league requires teams to trim down to 75 players by Monday and 53 players by Friday. Eight players can be added to the practice squad on Saturday.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Will Svitek was placed on injured reserve and the team reached injury settlements with defensive tackle Elisha Joseph and cornerback Darrin Walls.

Take a look at the Falcons' updated depth chart here.

Read more on the Falcons at The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta. Head over to the NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league

Falcons Preseason Cuts: Atlanta Makes Moves With Roster Deadline Looming

The Atlanta Falcons waived eight players Saturday afternoon as the team attempted to cut it's roster down to 75 players, according their website.

Tight end Chase Coffman, linebacker Max Gruder, kicker Erik Folk, running back Richard Medlin, fullback Lee Meisner, defensive end Louis Nzegwu, wide receiver Kenny Stafford and tight end Aron White were given their walking papers with tackle Will Svitek being placed on injured reserve. The Falcons also reached injury settlements with defensive tackle Elisha Joseph and cornerback Darrin Walls.

Coffman might be the most notable name of the bunch even though he only lasted two weeks on the roster. The 6'6", 250-pound was an All-American at Missouri before being selected in the third round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009.

Svitek had been with the team since 2009 before suffering the upper right arm injury. He played in all 16 games last season and even started 10 after left tackle Sam Baker went down.

The Falcons roster currently sits at 78, meaning they'll have to make a few more moves to get down to the NFL's 4:00 p.m. ET Monday deadline of 75 players.

For more Atlanta Falcons roster moves, head on over to the Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins Recap: Matt Ryan, Offense Still Looking Good

Falcons Vs. Dolphins: Mike Smith Pleased With Team's Performance

Mike Smith was happy with his team's effort in Friday night's 23-6 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins, the Atlanta Falcons coach said in post-game quotes supplied by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The win snapped a seven-game exhibition losing streak that dated back to 2010. Matt Ryan continued a torrid preseason by completing 18 of 26 passes for 220 yards and a gorgeous 20-yard TD pass to Roddy White. Smith was pleased:

"I think Matt had a very productive preseason. Again, the preseason is working on things. You do game plan somewhat in this third preseason game. There were still some things we wanted to work on and in turn, that fit into what we were doing game-plan wise. I think Matt maybe was somewhere over 72, maybe somewhere closer to 75 percent in his completions here in the preseason. Matt did a nice job. I think he has a really good understanding of what we are trying to get done with our new staff."

Smith was also impressed with the other quarterback, Dolphins rookie Ryan Tannehill:

"He’s very athletic. I thought he did a nice job. It looked like he had a very good command of the offense. He moved well within it. He took off and ran it a couple of times. He had a nice 15-yard scramble on third down. He looked like he had a very good understanding of their offense. You could see that he was getting them into plays and out of plays based on the defensive looks."

A big bugaboo for the 2011 Falcons was short-yardage conversions. There's still work to be done there:

"To me that was not a true short yardage (situation). It was a fourth down-and-2. It wasn’t a fourth-and-1. We were right on the edge in terms of whether if we wanted to attempt a field goal in terms of the mark that we set in pre-game. There is a swirling win in this stadium. We felt like we had a chance to get the fourth down. We didn’t convert it and at that point in time we probably left some points potentially on the field and not on the scoreboard."

For all things Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins: Atlanta Shows Improvement While Snapping Preseason Losing Streak

The Atlanta Falcons got off to a slow start on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins. In the first half, Atlanta managed to put just nine points on the board on three field goals, wasting an impressive effort by quarterback Matt Ryan who went into halftime with 162 passing yards and completing 12 of his 18 passes.

But Ryan continued to play well (18-26 for 220 yards) as Atlanta picked things up in the second half and came away with the 23-6 win, their first of the NFL preseason.

Falcaholic blogger Dave Choate called the game, "From Boredom To Thrills" and was extremely impressed with the Falcons, especially on defense:

The Falcons showed middling acumen on offense early on and improved as the game went by, but the team certainly showed a lot better on defense. The first-team D pretty effortlessly shut down rookie Ryan Tannehill and showed well in the pass rush, and the secondary defensed plenty of passes. I'm extremely encouraged by the defense thus far in pre-season.

Stick with this StoryStream for scores, injury updates and complete coverage from the Atlanta Falcons preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. For all things Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins Final Score: Atlanta Wins 23-6, Snapping Preseason Losing Streak

Through three quarters of play, the Falcons starters accomplished what they were asked to do.

Matt Ryan looked great passing the ball, going 18-of-26 for 220 yards, including a brilliant 20-yard strike to Roddy White for a touchdown to put the Falcons up 16-3.

Then, after a brief and semi-productive stint at QB by Chris Redman, Dominique Davis came into the game and once again managed to turn heads, hooking up with WR Tim Toone on a 39-yard TD pass. He was two-of-three for 53 yards on the night, and his lone incompletion was the fault of tight end Chase Coffman who dropped a wet pass.

By all accounts, Davis looks like the man that should win the backup quarterback's role on this team. Also worth noting is Lamar Holmes, who blocked well for Davis and the third-team offense.

Defensively, Lawrence Sidbury came up with a sack and forced fumble of his own, continuing a hot preseason streak that has him looking like a breakout candidate in Mike Nolan's offense. Cliff Matthews, a fellow competitor at defensive end, would recover the fumble.

All in all, the second and third-teams played much better than in the first two preseason contests. Davis showed great stuff at QB, and the defense held Miami to just six points through all four quarters.

Oh, and Atlanta broke it's preseason losing streak. Because you care so much!

Stick with this StoryStream for scores, injury updates and complete coverage from the Atlanta Falcons preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. For all things Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins Halftime Score: Jones, Offense Impressing As Atlanta Leads 9-3

Dirk Koetter's new offense continued to look good through the first half of play in Miami.

Though the red zone offense couldn't quite get things done, they still managed to put three field goals on the board and looked impressive through the air. Matt Ryan was 12-of-18 passing for 162 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions.

But the real star, yet again, was Julio Jones. He and Ryan connected on a dangerous pass that Jones came back for and turned into a 49-yard gain. He has four catches for 90 yards on the night. The offensive line did not look as good, allowing Cameron Wake to sack Ryan twice coming off the right side.

The defense, though they allowed their share of yards, continued to keep Tannehill and company out of the end zone. John Abraham came up with a nice play, sacking the rookie QB on third down and stripping the ball from his hands.

The starters should log at least some minutes in the third quarter, but soon enough we'll likely see the backups come in and play their part.

Stick with this StoryStream for scores, injury updates and complete coverage from theAtlanta Falcons preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. For all things Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins Update: DeCoud Picks Off Tannehill, Atlanta Tied 3-3

Through one quarter of play, the Falcons have looked solid both offensively and defensively.

Matt Ryan is six-for-eight, good for 77 yards through the air, including two 20-yard completions to both Jacquizz Rodgers and Michael Turner. Julio Jones has two catches himself for 37 yards.

On the ground, Turner has looked much more explosive than last week with 22 yards on six carries. The offensive success comes in part from a nice performance by the O-line, whose play has kept the pocket relatively clean for Matty Ice and opened some a couple of decent holes for Turner in the ground game.

Defensively, the team started off slow after allowing an 18-yard Reggie Bush run and committing two offsides penalties. But they soon settled down, and a Sean Weatherspoon-tipped pass would lead to an interception by Thomas DeCoud.

Kroy Biermann also chipped in with a nice tackle for loss, the the D-line generally kept rookie Ryan Tannehill on his toes in the pocket.

But despite his unimpressive numbers (5-of-13 for 54 yards), he came very close to throwing a touchdown pass, and would've were it not for a dropped pass in the end zone.

After two field goals, this game is tied at three points apiece.

Stick with this StoryStream for scores, injury updates and complete coverage from the Atlanta Falcons preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. For all things Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins: Several Atlanta Players Inactive For Preseason Game 3 In Miami

The Atlanta Falcons face the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 of the 2012 NFL Preseason, and a number of players are inactive for the game. The complete list of Falcons inactives, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

• Cornerback Christopher Owens (hamstring)
• Cornerback Darrin Walls (right quad)
• Safety Shann Schillinger (foot)
• Running back Jason Snelling (lower right leg)
• Defensive tackle Elisha Joseph (concussion)
• Left tackle Will Svitek (upper right arm)
• Wide receiver Kerry Meier (foot)
• Defensive tackle Corey Peters (foot)

The weather before the game has been heavy rain, so players with questionable injuries may end up seeing reduced action in order to minimize the risk heading into the regular season. The Falcons offense has been on a roll in the preseason, so it will be interesting to see if the weather derails their momentum.

Stick with this StoryStream for scores, injury updates and complete coverage from the Atlanta Falcons preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. For all things Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins: Peria And John Jerry Line Up Against Each Other

Peria Jerry may have an interesting opponent lining up against him on Friday night, his brother John Jerry. Peria is a defensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons drafted in the first round in 2009 while John is an offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins who drafted him in the third round in 2010. When the two teams kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday night, both players will be looking to impress their coaches.

After showing up to training camp in shape, Peria recorded three tackles, including one for loss against the Baltimore Ravens and also recorded two tackles and a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I feel good with everything, I have just continue to get better each day."

The Falcons are looking to end the longest preseason losing streak in the NFL. The last game the Falcons won in the preseason was on Aug. 27, 2010 against the Miami Dolphins. That same game was the first time the Jerry brothers played against each other.

For more on the Falcons, visit The Falcoholic. For more on the Dolphins, visit The Phinsider.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins: Game Time, TV Schedule, Injury Updates And More

The Falcons travel to South Florida for Friday night's game.

Sean Weatherspoon Becomes Vocal Leader For Falcons' Defense

With the Atlanta Falcons moving to a new defensive scheme under new coordinator Mike Nolan, linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will have an opportunity to showcase his ability on the field, and let you know about it in the process.

Weatherspoon is the loudest talker on the Falcons defense and plays with a lot of swagger. He might also be the team's best defensive player.

For the last two seasons, the first-round pick out of Missouri played mostly in the weakside linebacker spot, which stifled his effectiveness. But according to a CBSSports.com report, Atlanta plans to move players around and throw different looks at opposing offenses in order to throw them off, and Weatherspoon is ready to wreak havoc:

"Whenever my number is called to go, I have to be successful," Weatherspoon said. "You have to put the quarterback on his butt. I didn't get to go as much in the past as I will in Mike's system. My batting average just has to be better because I don't get to go as much as the other guys."

"I take pride in lining up on someone and they can't run a route on me," Weatherspoon said. "I take pride in my coverage. I take pride in my run fits. I don't do a lot of rushing, but I am working to get better at it. I am trying to do the same things Brooks did. He didn't rush a lot, but he was always around the ball. That's what I want to be."

For more on the Falcons, please be sure to check out our blog The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta for all the latest news and updates. For additional coverage from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Should The Falcons Trade Michael Turner For Maurice Jones-Drew? (Hint: No)

Falcons Vs. Dolphins: Offensive Tackle Lamar Holmes Set To Make NFL Debut

Atlanta Falcons rookie offensive lineman Lamar Holmes is set to make his NFL debut Friday against the Miami Dolphins, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Holmes, a 6'6, 333-pound tackle out of Southern Mississippi, was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Since then, he's missed all of the Falcons' offseason workouts and much of training camp with a broken toe. He's yet to see game action in an NFL uniform, but that should change this week, Falcon's offensive line coach Pat Hill said.

"He'll get a lot of reps against Miami and that will be good for him," Hill told the Journal-Constitution. "Those will be his first real live [plays.]"

Holmes is listed as the team's third-string left tackle behind Sam Baker and Will Svitek. But with Svitek out for the season with a right arm injury and Baker in the final year of his contract, Holmes will be given the opportunity to show what he can do.

The Falcons play the Dolphins 7:30 p.m. Friday in Miami.

For more on the Falcons, visit The Falcoholic. For more on the Dolphins, visit The Phinsider.

2012 Falcons Preseason: Maturing Defensive Line Off To Good Start

The defensive line is one area of the Atlanta Falcons that has looked good during the preseason, and a big reason for that is the chemistry that is developing among the players anchoring the line:

"It’s got a lot to do with us coming of age and becoming better athletes," defensive tackle Vance Walker said. "Me, Peria (Jerry), Babs (Babineaux) has been playing for a lot of years and Corey’s (Peters) been hurt, but we recognize things faster. We can recognize pass sets from the offensive linemen much better than we could in the past just because we’ve got another season under our belt."

Related: Mike Johnson Will Make The Team On Account Of His Versatility

The defensive line has six tackles for loss through two preseason games, including two sacks.

For more on the Falcons, please be sure to check out our blog The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta for all the latest news and updates. For additional coverage from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Atlanta Falcons Preseason 2012: Dirk Koetter Evaluates The Offense

First-year Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his team is taking well to the offensive scheme he is putting into place with his new squad.

"We are definitely improving," Koetter said. "You want to get better each time you go out there. But there is still plenty of stuff that we need to work on. I think we’re on the right track and making progress."

The offense has had plenty of success so far. Koetter said his focus is now on maintaining momentum into the second half of games. The Falcons will have a chance to test themselves on that in their next preseason game, which is set for Friday against the Dolphins. The starters are expected to play into the third quarter.

Although the results aren't as important as the progress, the Falcons have lost an NFL-worst seven straight exhibition games, so a win might be nice, too.

For more on the Falcons, please be sure to check out our blog The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta for all the latest news and updates.

A Preseason Of Injuries: Falcons Have Depth Questions On Both Lines

Falcons Preseason 2012: Cornerbacks Comfortable With Rotation

The Atlanta Falcons have three quality cornerbacks in Brent Grimes, Asante Samuel and Dunta Robinson, but head coach Mike Smith and the Falcons coaching staff still are unsure of who will start in Atlanta's base offense when the season begins.

So until two players rise up above the third, the coaching staff is rotating the three players throughout the preseason looking for the best combination and the players are happy to compete for a starting position.

In an interview with Daniel Cox of AtlantaFalcons.com, Falcons cornerback Samuel is fine with the three cornerbacks rotating throughout the preseason and moving around the defense,

"All my production came from the left. It’s going good. It’s a new thing for me, switching back and forth. I’m trying to get my mojo right, get my game plan together switching back and forth, but the coaches are going to do what they think is best."

Robinson agreed with Samuel and knows that the team will be fine with whoever is out on the field,

"We’re all very accomplished players so no egos are involved. We’re just doing what it takes to help the team win. The rotation we don’t have a problem with. We’re just going out there and trying to make plays. When our number is called we’re going to go out there and do everything we can to make this team successful."

For more on the Falcons, please be sure to check out our blog The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta for all the latest news and updates.

Will Svitek Injury: Falcons Have Offensive Line Questions

Will Svitek is out for the year with what coaches are calling an upper-arm injury. Svitek was No. 2 on the depth chart at left tackle entering this season and his injury now leaves the Falcons asking questions.

Starting left tackle Sam Baker is set as the starter for the Falcons. But if something happens to him, his two backups are rookie Lamar Holmes and second-year lineman Michael Johnson, who is transitioning to play tackle.

Dave Choate of The Falcoholic has described Svitek's injury as a 'nightmare scenario' and wonders what the Falcons can do in this situation.

Svitek being out for the year is a nightmare scenario for multiple reasons. With his ability in pass protection, Svitek was the logical choice to take over at left tackle should anything happen to Sam Baker. He wasn't any great shakes in the run game, but the Falcons are transitioning toward a more pass-friendly offense anyways.

With Svitek down, the Falcons are left with some fairly unappetizing backup options. There's either Lamar Holmes, who might be a terrific tackle someday but is a fairly raw rookie right now, or Michael Johnson as he trains for tackle. They could also dive into the free agent market, which has Marcus McNeill and a few tackles you might find down at your local grocery store bagging vegetables. Even with his injury history, McNeill might be the best option out there...or he would've been, had he not retired. My bad, everyone.

The Falcons next preseason game is against the Miami Dolphins on Friday night with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

For more on the Falcons, please be sure to check out our blog The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta for all the latest news and updates.

Falcons Preseason 2012: Jacquizz And James Rodgers Competing For Kick Returner Job

While the Atlanta Falcons are expected to lessen the burden of carries on running back Michael Turner by promoting second-year tailback Jacquizz Rodgers in the backfield, the second-year man from Oregon State is also atop the depth chart at kick returner as well, according to the team's official site.

One of his competitors is brother James, who played with Jacquizz at Oregon State, along with corner Dominque Franks. The departure of former return specialist Eric Weems to Chicago has opened up a chance for the Falcons to improve their return yardage. Against Cincinnati in their second preseason game, Atlanta averaged 23.8 yards a return.

As for competing against his brother in the pro ranks, Rodgers downplayed the brotherly competition:

"We’ve been competing against each other all our life," Jacquizz said. "It’s something to help push one another. If I get a ball and get out to the 35, he’s going to try to top it. It’s a friendly competition."

Falcons Preseason 2012: Dunta Robinson Has High Expectations For Atlanta Pass Defense

Dunta Robinson expects the Falcons pass defense to improve vastly from its 2011 form to 2012. After ranking 20th in that category last season, the expectation, at least for now, is being the No. 1 pass defense in the league.

"To be number one in pass defense," Robinson said. "I think that's our goal and we're not afraid to say that. We want to be the best group on the back end that there is in the NFL."

The Falcons can just look to Robinson's old team in the Houston Texans for an example of a group that went from being one the worst defenses the NFL has ever seen to at least becoming a top 10 unit. Robinson says the goal is to have the No. 1 pass defense, but he realizes that's an overall effort that goes beyond the secondary.

"I know that starts as a collective defense and the pass rush, but those are our goals," Robinson said. "I think as long as you set your goals high, you have a very good chance of being a good football team. We're dreaming big and we're thinking big. Now it's just a matter of going out there and getting the job done."

Read more on the Falcons at The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta.

Will Svitek Injury: Mike Smith Comments On The Loss Of His Backup O-Lineman

The Atlanta Falcons backup left tackle, Will Svitek, will be lost for the entire 2012 NFL campaign with what has been described as an upper arm injury which happened on Sunday, the Falcons last day of training camp.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith commented on the loss of Svitek in a post-practice interview transcript appearing on the team's website:

Before anybody goes any further, I want to announce yesterday in practice OL Will Svitek was injured. We found out today that Will has an injury that will take him out for the season. It's bad news for Will. He will miss the entire season. It was an upper arm injury.

Smith also commented on how valuable Svitek has been to the Falcons and how much his loss will impact the team:

Will had been a guy that had played both, left and right, and did some other things for us.

Will is a real tough guy. One of the toughest guys I know. Played through a lot of injuries and did a nice job when he was called on when Sam was injured last year and played left tackle for us. He's a real tough guy, and we'll miss him. I know he'll get his recovery started as quick as possible and will be ready to go after the season.

Svitek was in the final year of his contract that was set to pay him $1.75 million dollars this season.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic, and be sure to visit SBNation's dedicated NFL hub.

Falcons Vs. Dolphins: Atlanta Plans To Stress Red-Zone Efficiency Against Miami

Falcons coach Mike Smith says his starters will play past halftime during Friday night's preseason contest in Miami in what will be their longest tune-up for the regular season, and quarterback Matt Ryan says improving red-zone efficiency will be a major focus, according to AtlantaFalcons.com.

Of Ryan's seven trips to the red zone this preseason, the Falcons have scored just three touchdowns and managed two field goals. It's something Ryan says has turned into a point of emphasis this week in practice.

"We've been down there a couple of times, we just need to try to continue to finish those drives off," Ryan said. "We've been working hard on that in practice and I think that's something that hopefully we'll do better in the game on Friday."

The Falcons have moved the ball well while the first-team offense has been on the field the first two preseason games, so it's a fixable problem. With the 6'4" Julio Jones emerging as an elite talent and the sure-handed Tony Gonzalez over the middle, Ryan will have plenty of weapons down near the goal line.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic, and be sure to visit SBNation's dedicated NFL hub.

2012 Falcons Preseason: Peria Jerry Looking To Turn Heads

Peria Jerry is trying to get some attention from the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff.

After being drafted in the first round back in 2009, Jerry has been a disappointment due to a litany of issues, especially injuries.

However, with a clean bill of health and a new defensive coordinator in Mike Nolan, Jerry feels like he has a fresh start, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"I’m feeling better than I have felt since my rookie year, but I’m just going to stay focused and keep working hard every day," he said.

Normally Corey Peters would be starting in place of Jerry, but he's dealing with a foot injury which has left the door ajar. Jerry has looked good in camp and has certainly gotten the eye of Nolan.

"Yeah, he’s done a nice job," Nolan said. "He did a nice job the other day in the game. He’s done well. Somebody has to step up. [Vance] Walker was out for a couple of weeks. But, I would say thus far that we are pleased with P.J."

Even the opposition has seen the improvement.

"One of the biggest surprises that I’ve seen is that Peria Jerry is finally playing after three years," said a scout who has watched Atlanta four times this year. "He’s finally making some plays."

If Jerry's success can continue into September, it could be a very pleasant surprise for Falcons fans.

For more on the Falcons, please be sure to check out our blog The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta for all the latest news and updates.

Will Svitek Injury Update: Atlanta Falcons Lineman To Miss 2012 Season

Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Will Svitek suffered an injury in Sunday's practice, and will be out for the duration of the 2012 season.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith announced the unfortunate news himself during his Monday press conference.

Coach Smith has announced that Will Svitek was injured yesterday at practice and will unfortunately be out for the season. #atlmia12

— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) August 20, 2012

Svitek was listed second on the Falcons' depth chart at left tackle, headed into Atlanta's Week 2 preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Svitek was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2005 NFL Draft. Svitek was waived by the Chiefs prior to the 2008 season, and then signed with the Falcons on February 12, 2009, and has spent each of the past three seasons with the Falcons.

For the latest on the Atlanta Falcons, head over to The Falcoholic and join the discussion.

2012 Falcons Preseason: Julio Jones Loses Locks, Gains Confidence

Julio Jones has been wowing fans and analysts nationwide this preseason, displaying the unbelievable physical tools that compelled the Atlanta Falcons to trade multiple picks to move up to select him in last year's draft. Now, with a full offseason of OTAs and minicamps under his belt — thanks to the lockout, he didn't have any of those last year — Jones appears primed to lift off this season, and has the hairstyle to prove it.

In a story by The Associated Press, Jones is described as a confident football player, instead of an athletic rookie learning on the fly and struggling with inconsistency, which Falcons fans knew all too well last year. The AP quoted head coach Mike Smith as saying "Julio is a better player today than last year when we were breaking camp. There's no doubt about that."

He's also ditched his dreadlocks, which have been a trademark of his since he arrived at the University of Alabama as a highly touted freshman.

"It's like those Olympic swimmers who shave their heads because they don't want any resistance," [wide receiver Brian] Robiskie said. "Now, he's got nothing to hold him back. He's got no resistance up there. We think he was going fast before. I think he can actually fly now."

More important than the hair is the performance, which has been stellar. In about two quarters of football, he's caught nine passes for 150 yards, looking like the showcase of a high-octance passing attack, and potentially supplanting Roddy White as Matt Ryan's favorite target.

For more news and analysis on the Falcons, make sure to visit The Falcoholic.

Falcons Preseason 2012: Dirk Koetter Happy With Pass Protection

Through two preseason games, the Atlanta Falcons have gotten good pass protection from the first-team offensive line. In fact, quarterback Matt Ryan hasn't been sacked with the first-team unit on the field.

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is pleased with the way the pass protection is progressing:

"It was definitely better this week in the second game," Koetter said. "We’ve called over 60 pass plays. We had some pressures and some hurries, but I thought our chips with our [running] backs was really good."

Related: Lousaka Polite, Favorite For The Fullback Job?

The Falcons allowed 26 sacks and 84 hits on the quarterback during the 2011 season.

Atlanta returns to the field Friday against the Miami Dolphins.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Atlanta. For more in-depth coverage of the Atlanta Falcons, visit The Falcoholic. And for more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NFL hub.

NFL Preseason 2012, Falcons Vs. Dolphins Game Preview: Matt Ryan Making Most of Preseason Action

Matt Ryan has been strong in two preseason games, and now will face the winless Miami Dolphins in the Falcons' third preseason contest.

Akeem Dent Injury: Falcons Middle Linebacker Cleared To Return To Practice

Akeem Dent has been cleared to return to contact practice following his exit in an exhibition loss against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion.

The frontrunner for the Atlanta Falcon's middle linebacker starting spot sat out last week's exhibition loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, in accordance with the league's concussion protocol program. The team is hoping that Dent will be able to make it through contact drills and be ready to play in the exhibition game against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 24.

#Falcons middle linebacker Akeem Dent has been cleared to return to contact practice. Will play Friday vs. Dolphins.

— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@AJCFalcons) August 19, 2012

Dent had a strong rookie showing last year, gathering 20 tackles in 16 games played. Dent had two tackles in the game against the Ravens before exiting with injury.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, visit The Falcoholic and SB Nation Atlanta.

Falcons Injury Report: Darrin Walls Hurt, Backups On Concussion Watch

Three Atlanta Falcons join the injury report.