Full Breakdown
Atlanta Falcons Preseason Roster Battles Ahead of Final Game
8/21/2025, 4:23:17 AM
Overview of Roster Competitions
As the Atlanta Falcons approach their final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, the team faces critical decisions regarding their 53-man roster. Head Coach Raheem Morris has emphasized the importance of healthy competition within the squad, particularly in key positions where battles remain unresolved. This article examines the ongoing roster battles, focusing on notable players and their performances leading up to the season.
Key Position Battles
Safety: A Tight Contest
The safety position has seen a competitive struggle primarily between rookie Xavier Watts and Jordan Fuller, with DeMarcco Hellams also in the mix. Hellams has been hindered by injury, missing Week 2 and practicing in a no-contact jersey. Despite this, Watts has garnered attention for his first-team reps, suggesting he may secure a starting role. While Fuller has shown steadiness, Watts is viewed as the future of the position, giving him the edge in this close contest.
Nickel Cornerback: Dee Alford's Position
Dee Alford appears to be the frontrunner for the nickel cornerback position, having performed well during the preseason. Although Billy Bowman has received some first-team reps, Alford's consistency and experience from the previous season bolster his case for the starting role.
Kicker: Younghoe Koo's Recovery
Younghoe Koo is expected to retain his position as the starting kicker, having demonstrated improved accuracy and consistency in practice and preseason games. His performance has reassured the coaching staff, indicating a strong bounce-back from previous struggles.
Inside Linebacker: Divine Deablo's Dominance
Divine Deablo has emerged as the clear choice for the inside linebacker role, particularly with Troy Andersen sidelined due to injury. Deablo's performance has solidified his position, and he is anticipated to play a significant role in the upcoming season.
Edge Rusher: Depth and Competition
The edge rusher group has become increasingly crowded, with veterans like Leonard Floyd and younger talents such as Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. competing for roster spots. Morris acknowledged the challenge of making cuts in this area, highlighting the strong performances from multiple players, including Arnold Ebiketie and Brandon Dorlus.
Official Statements & Responses
Raheem Morris commented on the depth of the edge rusher position, stating, “That’s a good problem when you have a bunch of edge rushers you love and that go out there and play really hard.” He emphasized that performance will dictate roster decisions, indicating a collaborative approach with General Manager Terry Fontenot.
Criticism & Opposition
While the competition within the team has been praised, some analysts express concern over the potential impact of injuries on roster decisions. The absence of key players like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. could affect the team's depth and performance as they head into the regular season.
What's Next
The Falcons will finalize their roster after the preseason finale against the Cowboys. With several positions still up for grabs, the performance in this game will be crucial for players looking to secure their spots on the team. The coaching staff will closely evaluate each player's contributions as they prepare for the regular season kickoff.
