The Atlanta Falcons fell short in their second preseason game on Friday, losing to the Tennessee Titans 23-20, with one more exhibition contest coming up this Friday against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite the loss, there were still some encouraging takeaways and reasons to feel good about where the roster stands going into Week 1. This is Michael Penix Jr.'s team now, and he's well-positioned to succeed.
Atlanta already has a deep wideout unit, but one surprise 27-year-old receiver is suddenly pushing for a spot on the 53-man group after a second consecutive strong performance.
52-yard Falcons touchdown from Easton Stick to Chris Blair 🙌
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Falcons WR Chris Blair Pushing for Roster Spot After Another Great Preseason Game
Chris Blair, in only entering his third season after being undrafted from Alcorn State despite his relatively elderly age, is on fire right now. He finished with three catches for a team-leading 78 receiving yards and a beautiful 52-yard score in which he burned the defensive back on a sideline go route and easily walked into the end zone.
In the first preseason matchup, Blair caught another three passes for 54 yards and a 13-yard TD. He has a clear chemistry with backup QB Easton Stick, but it's the skillset itself that could make him an intriguing sixth or seventh wideout on the roster if head coach Raheem Morris keeps that many.
Blair spent his first two years in Atlanta, so the franchise is familiar with him. He's appeared in five total games, catching just one pass for 17 yards, yet this could be his time to shine after developing on the practice squad. While he'll be an unrestricted free agent following the season, this will be an opportunity for Blair to carve out another one or two-year deal to stick with the Falcons, even if he still spends some time on the practice squad.
It could also be an opportunity to audition for other teams in the league should Atlanta ultimately cut him. Based on his efforts over the last couple of weeks, however, Blair would be a very difficult player to let go.
Looking at the depth chart, Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud are the leaders of the group. KhaDarel Hodge and Jamal Agnew would seem to have a leg up after that initial trio, leaving Blair to battle with Casey Washington, DJ Chark, David Sills V, and Dylan Drummond. No one has come close to his preseason production, so it's possible that Blair just snuck himself onto the active roster.
We'll see what happens in that final preseason game, but fans should keep a close eye on Blair. One more game like the last two, and he might seal the deal.