Falcons Preseason Opener Wasn’t Just a Game… It Was a Statement
This wasn’t your typical “shake off the rust” preseason game. This was the Atlanta Falcons stepping onto the field and sending a very loud, very clear message to the rest of the NFL: We’re coming, and it’s going to feel different this year.
From a defense that looked mean and aggressive, to rookies showing out, to a QB proving he belongs — Friday night had it all. Here’s everything you need to know from preseason Game 1 vs. the Detroit Lions.
The Defense is for Real 🛡️
I don’t care if it was starters, backups, or rookies — the scheme looked sharp, the execution was clean, and the energy was through the roof.
Guys were flying to the ball, hitting with purpose, and playing with the attack-first mentality Jeff Ulbrich has been preaching since day one.
We got tone-setting plays early, like DeMarco Hellams laying a bone-jarring hit that had the crowd buzzing. And remember — this wasn’t even the full starting defense. Once the vets are fully in the mix, expect:
More turnovers
More sacks
More frustrated QBs
O-Line Depth… Uh Oh 🚨
As good as the defense was, the second-team offensive line had a rough night.
The run game never got going and Easton Stick was running for his life way too often. If there’s one injury to a starter, this could spill into the regular season.
Terry Fontenot… might be time to start scanning that waiver wire.
Rookies Already Making Noise 🎯
Some thought this rookie class wouldn’t make an immediate impact. Yeah… about that.
James Pearce Jr. — Already drawing double and triple teams (in a preseason game!) and forcing Detroit to chip him constantly.
Jalon Walker — No sacks in the stat sheet, but plenty of pressures and disruption.
Billy Bowman Jr. — All over the field in nickel corner competition and special teams. This kid plays like every snap might be his last — and I mean that in the best way possible.
The nickel battle between Dee Alford and Bowman is officially heating up.
Easton Stick: Calm in the Chaos 🎯
Even with shaky protection, Stick was impressive — 15/18 passing, 149 yards, 1 TD, and spread it around to six different receivers.
This doesn’t change the Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix Jr. situation, but it proves Stick can be a capable backup… which is huge if trade rumors about Cousins keep swirling.
More Standout Moments 💡
Arnold Ebiketie — Strip sack that Ta’Quon Graham recovered. This is the pass-rush improvement we’ve been begging for.
Lenny Krieg — Rookie kicker drilled a 57-yard FG in the first quarter, just one yard shy of Younghoe Koo’s career long.
A Somber Ending 🙏
Late in the 4th quarter, Lions QB Maurice Norris suffered a serious injury. Both teams gathered, prayed, and ended the game in respect.
Wishing Norris a full and speedy recovery — a reminder that health will always be bigger than football.
Bottom Line 📢
The Falcons’ first preseason game told us a lot:
The defense is nasty.
The rookies are ready now.
Easton Stick can sling it.
And yes… the O-line depth needs help.
If this is what August football looks like, September is going to be a show.
Falcons fans — what stood out most to you? Drop it in the comments. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on those post notifications so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
