The Atlanta Falcons will play their final preseason game of the year on Thursday night when they play host to the Baltimore Ravens in what Jason Kirk describes as the NFL's most curious rivalry. The TV schedule, game time and everything else is posted below, but first, a short preview from our friends around SB Nation.
Dave Choate of the Falcoholic, SB Nation's Atlanta Falcons blog, wrote on Wednesday night how the signing of James Sanders and Kelvin Hayden might change how the front office looks at the team's defensive backfield on Thursday night.
What happens next, considering the Falcons have to cut down to 80 players? Chris Owens could get the boot, or an undrafted free agent type like Kamaal McIlwain. Chauncey Davis and his fancy salary could be looking for work, too, if the Falcons want a little more cap breathing room.
That's all for the next day or two to determine. What is clear is that the Falcons just got better, without a clear downside. That's the kind of thing every Falcons fan, even the ones in lead-lined bunkers, can get behind.
Over at Baltimore Beatdown, SB Nation's Baltimore Ravens blog, Bruce Raffel broke down a few of the players to watch when not focusing on the Falcons' high-octane offense.
"WR David Reed was a fifth round draft pick last year who couldn't stay healthy and only recently returned to the practice field this week. However, he is already ahead of the rookie WR's and proved he can be a solid kick returner as he returned one for a TD last season. The other guy is punter Sam Koch, who is a linebacker in a punter's body and booms kicks far and can touch them down near the goal line almost on command, which is a very under rated skill."
Now, to the game information!
Game Date/Time: Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m.
Location: Georgia Dome
TV Schedule: CBS - WGCL 46; NFL Network re-air on Saturday at 1 p.m.
TV Distribution Map: The506.com
Radio Schedule: 790 The Zone and Star 94
For more, head to The Falcoholic and Baltimore Beatdown.