Training camp for the Atlanta Falcons opened on Thursday and while the bigger names took to the stage to speak to media, the lesser names were quietly reporting and getting ready to go about their business. Training camp for established players is by no means easy but for many they can at least relax early on and enjoy returning to work with their teammates. However, for the lesser known players thing are a little bit different. At every position there are players who will be desperately trying to impress their coaches. For them every snap, every throw and every tackle is important. Therefore, throughout training camp we will be taking a look at these battles and giving our thoughts on them. First up it is the turn of the quarterback.
The Starter
There is no battle here. Matt Ryan has just been handed a huge contract extension and is assured of being the start. For Ryan camp is just about getting into sync with his receivers, especially rookie Calvin Ridley.
The Backup
This is where it starts to potentially get interesting. As of now Matt Schaub is the Falcons backup, having been with them since 2016. However, if Schaub has an awful training camp there is every possibility the Falcons could move on him. A few things do make that unlikely.
Firstly, having a backup quarterback who can step in and be solid is crucial in today’s NFL. With the concussion protocol there is every chance that at any moment the backup QB may have to at least come in and take a couple of snaps, and possibly take over for the remainder of the game. What you need in that situation is an established backup who can come in, be smart and look after the ball. Looking after the ball has often been an issue for Schaub in his career, but when you are backing up someone like Matt Ryan it is reasonable to think you are unlikely to be as aggressive as you were when you were a starter and trying to remain there.
The second thing in Schaub’s favor is the hiring of the new quarterback coach, Greg Knapp. Knapp has worked with Schaub before and was his quarterback coach when Schaub had the best year of his career in Houston. Knapp’s addition to the roster will primarily be based on his previous work with veteran quarterbacks. However, I am sure the Falcons have considered his history with Schaub, just in case they have to rely on Schaub at some point.
The #3 Situation
The #3 quarterback spot is the truly interesting one. The Falcons came into 2018 with Garrett Grayson on the roster as the incumbent. However, they then went out and drafted Kurt Benkert out of Virginia, who will get the chance to challenge Grayson. So what do these two guys potentially bring to the table?
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contracts
by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Garrett Grayson
Grayson spent last season on the Falcons practice squad having signed with them in October. Grayson’s signing in 2017 may have served two purposes. Naturally he provided them with a quarterback option who had practiced with the team if Ryan went down and he was required to serve as Schaub’s backup. However, the other aspect may have been his time with the New Orleans Saints in 2015 and 2016. Signing a player from your chief rivals in the hope of getting an edge on their play calls is nothing new and the Falcons may have had some of that in mind when adding Grayson to the roster.
The question is now can Grayson remain on the roster into 2018. Over a year removed from the Saints offense he probably cannot offer too much more insight into their offense at this stage. Therefore, he needs to rely on his ability to remain around the Falcons into the season. His knowledge of this offense from being around the team for a year will give him an edge but he will need to impress in camp as well.
Grayson did come out of college with some decent numbers. The Colorado State graduate put up 7,702 passing yards with 55 passing touchdowns and 18 interceptions. However, he is yet to throw a pass in an NFL game, so relatively he is a complete unknown.
Kurt Benkert
Benkert showed a lot of promise in college, throwing for 5,759 yards with 46 touchdowns and 20 interceptions at Virginia. Benkert did get an invitation to the Senior Bowl but failed to impress. Despite being ranked 14th among quarterbacks by WalterFootball.com there was interest in Benkert from around the NFL. What the young quarterback lacks in athleticism he makes up for with his deep ball accuracy. With the ability to throw a good deep ball also comes the ability to throw well to the sidelines thanks to his arm strength. As with many college quarterbacks he still needs to get work under center and learn to speed up to the pro game. However, many people think Benkert can be molded into at least a decent backup quarterback in the NFL.
The Final Word
We know Ryan is locked in as the starter and I would say there is an 80% chance that Schaub is the backup when camp breaks. My belief is that the number three competition is for a spot on the practice squad. Due to Mohammed Sanu’s ability to throw passes the Falcons can afford to carry just two QBs and then look to use Sanu if there was a real disaster.
As for who wins that practice squad spot, my money is on the rookie Benkert. Coming out of college there was just enough intrigue surrounding him that the Falcons may see him as the backup of the future. However, with Schaub in the last year of his current deal they will want to make sure whoever they keep around at least has the ability to challenge to be the backup next season. If Benkert fails to show the progress the Falcons hope in camp they may decide that Grayson is the safer option.
-
Ep 119: Senior Class Finalists Announced; John Turney Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Pro Football historian John Turney joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 118: Senior Class Talk With Football Historian Ken Crippenby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Pro Football historian Ken Crippen joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 119: Senior Class Finalists Announced; John Turney Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Pro Football historian John Turney joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 118: Senior Class Talk With Football Historian Ken Crippenby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Pro Football historian Ken Crippen joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 248: Traning Camp and Pre-Season Takeawaysby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 12:33 pm
-
Ep 247: Full Foss NFL Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 16, 2022 at 12:39 am
-
Ep 246: NFC TD Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 1:40 pm
-
Ep 245: AFC TD Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:16 pm
-
Top 10 Quarterback/Pass Catching Duosby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Ian and John discuss Maurice Jones-Drew's list of Top 10 quarterbacks/pass […]
-
Top 5 Running Backsby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 12:42 am
Ian and John discuss FPC Chiefs Managing Editor Braden Holecek's Top 5 […]
-
Tyreek Hill vs. Davante Adams: Who Has The Better Season?by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:48 am
From Full Press NFL Weekly, Ian Glendon, Braden Holecek, and Kyle Senra […]
-
Julio Jones Signs in Tampa Bayby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Ian and John discuss Julio Jones joining Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Learn […]
-
8/17 - Packers Camp Struggles, Top 10 QB/Pass Catching Combos, Malcolm Go... To Injured Reserveby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Ian and John discuss Aaron Rodgers comments about the young wide receiver […]
-
8/15 - Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, NFL Top 100 Listby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Ian and John discuss the Zach Wilson injury scare, Deshaun Watson's debut […]
-
NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jersey League Wideby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Ian and John discuss the NBA's decision to retire Bill Russell's "#6" […]
-
Kevin Durant and Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the Kevin Durant power move and the similarities […]
-
8/12 - Recapping NFL Preseason Action; NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jerseyby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the pair of NFL preseason games from Thursday and […]
-
8/11 - Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Top 5 Running Backs, NFL Preseasonby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Ian and John discuss Serena Williams impending retirement, Kevin Durant, […]
-
Serena Williams And The Best 21st Century Athletesby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Ian and John discuss Serena Williams' career and impending retirement as […]
-
Aaron Rodgers, Ayahuasca, and The Green Bay Packersby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Ian and John discuss Aaron Rodgers recent revelations and the upcoming […]
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contractsby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Ian, Braden, and Kyle discuss the new quarterback contracts, Tyreek Hill […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 193 "Summer Slam Review"by Boot 2 The Face on August 8, 2022 at 10:05 am
Marty and Rucker return to talk the sights and sounds of Nashville for WWE […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 191 "Summer Slam Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on July 28, 2022 at 12:31 am
Rucker is joined by Angel and Timmy C of Filter Free Popcast who you can […]
-
Episode 99: Save the (Roquan) Drama for Your Mamaby Full Press Coverage on August 18, 2022 at 3:14 am
-
(Season 2.6): Fantasy Football Live! w/ Kyle Senra, Manny Chokuba, and Ryanby Full Press Coverage on August 18, 2022 at 2:40 am
-
Ep. 197 - Did LeBron Just Sign His Last NBA Contract?by Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 9:35 pm
-
Top 10 Quarterback/Pass Catching Duosby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:58 pm
-
8/17 - Packers Camp Struggles, Top 10 QB/Pass Catching Combos, Malcolm Go... To Injured Reserveby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:04 pm
-
Ep 119: Senior Class Finalists Announced; John Turney Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm
-
Ep 248: Traning Camp and Pre-Season Takeawaysby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 12:33 pm
-
(Season 2.5): Training Camp Talk: Should we be concerned with Antonio Gibson?by Full Press Coverage on August 16, 2022 at 11:57 pm
-
Hockey Canada - Be Better - Aug 16, 2022by Full Press Coverage on August 16, 2022 at 9:00 pm
-
Ep 247: Full Foss NFL Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 16, 2022 at 12:39 am
-
8/17 - Packers Camp Struggles, Top 10 QB/Pass Catching Combos, Malcolm Go... To Injured Reserveby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:04 pm
-
8/15 - Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, NFL Top 100 Listby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm
-
NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jersey League Wideby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 2:25 pm
-
Kevin Durant and Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
8/12 - Recapping NFL Preseason Action; NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jerseyby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 1:20 pm
-
8/11 - Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Top 5 Running Backs, NFL Preseasonby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Serena Williams And The Best 21st Century Athletesby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 2:59 pm
-
Aaron Rodgers, Ayahuasca, and The Green Bay Packersby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 12:00 pm
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm