Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch Versus the Jets
By John Buhler
Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13) and Tennessee Titans linebacker Kaelin Burnett (58) go after a fumble during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
TJ Yates. 13. player. 44. . QB. North Carolina
Of any member currently on the Atlanta Falcons roster, there is nobody with more on the line entering Preseason Week 2 than backup quarterback TJ Yates. With Matt Ryan needing a solid backup should anything go southward for him, Yates might not have as firm of a grip on that gig as he did last year.
In Preseason Week 1, QB Sean Renfree simply out-performed Yates in less on-field action that the veteran backup. The Atlanta Falcons certainly have a rivalry on their hands at backup quarterback, not to mention that both Yates and Renfree went to ACC schools that absolutely hate each other (UNC and Duke, respectively).
More from Atlanta Falcons
- Atlanta Falcons Yet Again Making a Terrible Move Signing Matt Schaub
- Atlanta Falcons Must Make This Off-Season Move
- Dan Quinn’s Press Conference Was Filled With Notable Moments. Here’s Some Highlights.
- Atlanta Falcons Re-Sign Kicker Younghoe Koo In Solid Move
- Atlanta Falcons: Is Devonta Freeman’s Time With Falcons Over?
How TJ Yates fares against Gang Green will help bring some clarity to the murky 2nd string QB job brewing in Flowery Branch. Sean Renfree’s stock seems like it’s on the upswing with Yates’ projecting downwards.
If both Yates and Renfree play how they did last week, then I’m afraid that TJ Yates’ time in Atlanta might be coming to an end. Sean Renfree will have a say in this race, but I can’t see TJ Yates sticking around on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. The Marietta native needs to have a strong performance tomorrow night if he hopes to continue playing for his hometown team.
Next: Vic Beasley To Play With More Effort Against Jets
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up