With the start of the 2008 season upon us and the 2007 season in the rearview mirror, there is one constant that has remained the same after the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The kicking game hasn't improved after one preseason game. The Falcons lost to the Jaguars last season due to missed field goals, and true was the case last Saturday. Yes, Jason Elam is a dynamic kicker, and his resume illustrates that. Maybe it was partly due to penalties by the offense, because both of Elam's misses came after negative yard plays. Hopefully the remainder of the preseason and into the regular season the kicking game will become 'just put up three on the scoreboad' because Elam will become automatic between the posts.
In other news:
The Michael Vick era has come and gone with the arrival of quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan had a 105.7 passer rating while completing 9-15 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. One might say it is only preseason. Yes, that is correct. But watching the game and seeing the poise and confidence Ryan displayed while under center with the Jaguars first team defense on the field has to make you feel good for the future. Ryan's confidence is only going to grow with the more reps and playing time he gets.
The next opponent for the Falcons will be the Indianapolis Colts when they trot into the newly renovated Georgia Dome at 7:00 on Saturday night. Throughout training camp head coach Mike Smith has said over and over that he is going to give each QB a start in the preseason. This game Joey Harrington will get the call to be field general.
Keywords: Falcons, Jason Elam, Joey Harrington, Matt Ryan, Michael Vick, Mike Smith, NFL
