The Atlanta Falcons released their quote-unquote unofficial depth chart ahead of the NFL preseason betting finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. And it is Mariana Trench-deep. However, don’t expect first-teamers to make an appearance against the Jags. For example, Devonta Freeman – listed first at running back – returned to practice on Monday following a concussion in the second exhibition game, but has been ruled out for Thursday by head coach Dan Quinn.
Devonta Freeman will be OUT on Thursday for #JAXvsATL.
READ: https://t.co/cCXTGSRTxo pic.twitter.com/5TVnhwcrk8
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 28, 2017
- Date: Thursday, 31st August
- Time: 7:05 PM
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Sportsbook Online NFL Preseason Odds:
Jaguars +3 (-105) 38 (-110)
Falcons -3 (-115) 38 (-110)
Falconry training and technique
Falcons – as in the actual animals – are made to wear hoods by falconers to keep them calm and ensure they are alert when the falconer needs them. It could be said that then Falcons played hooded against the Cardinals on Saturday. The fact that starting quarterback threw a pick in his first attempt of the game pretty much sums up the state of Atlanta’s offense in the third – and arguably most important – exhibition game. However, Quinn (who would be the falconer in our little metaphor) had this to say following the game: “Intentionally, we tried to take some shots down the field. I would say it was one that we weren’t happy with how it looked at the end. As for a cause for any uproar or any of that, we certainly don’t feel that way.” As mentioned above, the starters will more than likely sit out Thursday’s game, so it’ll be up to Falcons NFL preseason betting fans to live with the uncertainty of whether Steve Sarkisian’s offense will be running smooth in week 1. In any case, fans can always rely on Quinn to remove the hoods.
The importance of getting a second opinion
Jaguars rookie wide receiver Dede Westbrook was pulled out of the 23-24 loss to the Panthers with a lower body injury. Not one to be deterred, the former Oklahoma Sooner went to a core muscle specialist in Philadelphia on Monday.
#Jaguars WR Dede Westbrook is in Philadelphia today getting a second opinion on his undisclosed injury.
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) August 28, 2017
As a result of his initiative, Westbrook is now expected to play on Thursday against the Falcons. Now if only head coach Doug Marrone asked for a second opinion on Blake Bortles. Because his own opinion that “For me, personally, it’s the best I’ve seen him” can’t help but raise some eyebrows higher than the Rock whilst laying the smacketh down. Sure, practice is only open to sportsball media for 20 minutes, so we’re going to have to take his word on this one – but we’ll take it with an entire salt silo. While Bortles’s job seems inexplicably secure, several other Jacksonville players who are much lower on the totem pole could be entering the last week in the NFL – because when the Jags don’t want you, who will? “I don’t think you can ever be comfortable,” wide receiver Arrelious Benn said via First Coast News. “I can only speak for myself, I believe in this business and what we do for a living, you can never be comfortable. I don’t care if you’re the number one guy on the team.” the NFL preseason betting game against the Falcons will be a final showcase before the roster is downsized.