The 0-3 Atlanta Falcons close out their 2011 preseason schedule at home on Thursday night against the 2-1 Baltimore Ravens. Preseason records are the very definition of meaningless, and the Falcons have led two of their games when quarterback Matt Ryan and the first-team completed their action on the night. Still, there are a few roster spots to be earned (backup cornerback and defensive end to name two) and starting assignments at the safety position to be determined. Falcons head coach Mike Smith was not happy with the performance of young safeties Thomas DeCoud and William Moore this preseason, prompting the club to sign former New England Patriots safety James Sanders to a one-year deal this week.
Ravens starters are expected to make little more than a cameo tonight, with the focus of John Harbaugh's coaching staff to be on the back-end of the roster. No player may be more excited about playing this game than Ravens sixth-round quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who is looking to lock down the No. 2 quarterback job behind Joe Flacco. Taylor played well last week, completing 11-of-18 pass attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Redskins.
Game Date/Time: Thursday, September 1, 7:30pm ET
Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Television Schedule
Ravens: WBAL-TV | WJLA-TV | WHTM-TV
Falcons: CBS Atlanta
TV Distribution Map: The506.com
Radio Schedule
Ravens: 98 Rock | WBAL-1090 AM
Falcons: Star 94 FM & 790 The Zone
For more on the Ravens head over to Baltimore Beat Down. For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. Follow the rest of preseason week two at SB Nation NFL.