Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch Versus the Jets

James Stone made a name for himself filling in at starting center for the injured Joe Hawley last season.  The odds were so against him in his first NFL start: an undrafted rookie free agent having to go against DT Ndamukong Suh and the Detroit Lions in London, England of all places.  Outside of a holding penalty in the 4th Quarter, Stone had as great of a starting debut as Falcons fans could have hoped for.  Except Smitty can’t read a clock…

Stone played so well at center that he is pressing Joe Hawley at the starting job as well as contending for either guard gig for Kyle Shanahan.  He seems to fit in nicely with Shanahan’s ZBS as a quick, undersized interior lineman.

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His versatility to play all three spots on the interior will likely make Peter Konz expendable after the preseason.  I have no doubt that James Stone makes the 53-man roster, but winning a starting role up front is another question.

I believe that going against arguably one of the best front fours in football with the New York Jets will help shape who sticks with the Atlanta Falcons offensive line.  Between Jon Asamoah, Chris Chester, Joe Hawley, Mike Person and James Stone, the Atlanta Falcons’ staff will have to figure which three best play together to form a strong interior to protect their franchise QB Matt Ryan.

Next: Is He Figuring It Out?