Sean Renfree: Pushing TJ Yates for Second String QB

Sean Renfree is entering his third season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. The former Duke Blue Devil QB has been the third-string quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons the last two seasons, behind starter Matt Ryan and veteran T.J. Yates in 2014. After a stronger performance against the Tennessee Titans than TJ Yates had, could Renfree surpass Yates on the Atlanta Falcons’ QB depth chart before the start of the season?

In last night’s preseason opener against the Titans, Matt Ryan played one series for Dan Quinn before being relegated to the sidelines. He looked incredible in his one perfectly orchestrated drive, connecting with Julio Jones a handful of times, including a 21-yard touchdown strike.

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Ryan’s stats for Friday night’s preseason affair with Tennessee were 6-6 for 86 yards, 1 touchdown, and a 158.3 QB Rating. Matt Ryan looked like the best player on the field last night because in all honesty, he probably was. Even in a completely new offensive system, Matty Ice looked more comfortable in it than any quarterback I’ve ever seen play in OC Kyle Shanahan’s offensive attack. There is no doubt in my mind that Matt Ryan is a Top 10 QB in the NFL entering 2015.

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However, I have concerns about the Atlanta Falcons’ depth after watching the first preseason game. Outside of a few positions, mainly wide receiver and running back, the Atlanta Falcons still need to work on establishing depth across the roster.

TJ Yates played most of the game under center for the Falcons but struggled with his consistency. While he did toss an interception, I would say it had more to do with Justin Hardy’s obvious jitters in his first game with the Falcons than anything on that particular tipped pass.

Yates needed most of the first half to establish any rhythm offensively for the Falcons. To me, it looked like he was trying to force a lot of balls Justin Hardy’s way but was not successful early on. Yates’ inability to convert on third down allowed Tennessee to come back in the game. TJ finished 9-15 for 105 yards, 1 interception, and a QB Rating of 53.5.

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While TJ Yates did play better in the third quarter I believe that third string quarterback Sean Renfree had the better night under center for the Atlanta Falcons. Renfree finished 6-7 for 68 yards and a 107.1 QB Rating. I felt like Renfree played with more poise that Yates last night, delivering a higher percentage of catchable balls. Sean Renfree’s efficiency at QB down the stretch is what ultimately allowed the Atlanta Falcons to put enough points on the board to clip the Titans 31-24 last night.

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With Coach Quinn possibly looking at having three QBs dress for games in 2015, perhaps Sean Renfree is slowly but surely creeping closer to becoming the primary backup to Matt Ryan. After Renfree’s strong performance coupled with Yates’ overall shaky outing, maybe Sean Renfree does have a shot at 2nd string QB.

I know that it will take all three remaining preseason games for the Atlanta staff to decide who will stand as Matt Ryan’s primary backup, but after the first game of the 2015 Preseason, I have to believe that it is a much closer race for number two that I previously thought. Though I think that Yates is still ahead of Renfree on the depth chart, I don’t feel that it is by much. But if Sean Renfree outperforms Yates down the stretch, I would have no problem if he wins the backup QB gig for the Atlanta Falcons in 2015.

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