Tonight, Atlanta kicks off their second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was reported that the Chiefs first team offense will be seeing extended time in the first half of this game so that hopefully means we will see more than the one drive from the starting defense. In this article we will take a look at some of the players to keep an eye on during this match up.
Foye Oluokon
Preseason week 1 – 2 tackles – 1 assists
Foye Oluokon was selected 200th overall in the 6th round. Oluokon played 5 years of college ball at Yale. In his first preseason game playing for the Falcons, Foye came away with a rating of 88.6 from PFF. Keep an eye on the linebacker during this second preseason game as he appears to be in a battle with fellow linebacker Duke Riley for a starting position.
Jonathan Celestin
The feeling when @JonC__4 gets his first NFL sack: pic.twitter.com/1HK672flEe
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 11, 2018
Preseason week 1 – 3 tackles – 1 sack
Jonathan Celestin had the Falcons lone sack in his preseason game debut. Not only did he have 3 tackles, but they were all for a loss. He also had 3 run stops on 11 run snaps and came away with a 91.7 grade per PFF. Which was the highest graded Falcon of the game. Celestin is an UDFA and played for the Minnesota Gophers for 4 years. Celestin is a hometown boy as he was born in Jonesboro Georgia. Keep an eye on the linebacker in the upcoming game as he is fighting for a roster spot and should see an increase in work.
Deadrin Senat
Preaseason week 1 – 2 tackles
Deadrin Senat didn’t stuff the stat sheets, but boy did make an impact. Almost every snap that he took he showed his quick get off and was getting solid push into the backfield disrupting the play. Deadrin will compliment Grady Jarrett very well when they get on the field together. Look for Deadrin to spend some extended time in the backfield in their match up against Kansas City.
Marvin Hall
Preseason week 1 – 1 reception – 8 receiving yards
Marvin Hall is a second-year player for the Falcons. He was originally signed by the Raiders as an UDFA in 2016, then the Cardinals, and alas in 2017 he has made enough of an impact to have a roster spot with Atlanta. Last season he had 2 receptions for 60 yards, one of them being a touchdown. Marvin is competing for the starting punt and kick return man spot. Look for him to see a lot of special teams reps as he will be a key contributor on special teams this season.
Final Thoughts
The Falcons looked rough and undisciplined in their first preseason matchup. The first team offense gave up two penalties on their first drive and the team was penalized 11 times throughout the game. Look for them to play more focused ball and to put some points on the board in their second outing.
