NFL NEWS

Falcons focused on improving play in red zone

The Sports Xchange

August 24, 2016 at 3:34 pm.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) performs a drill on the field during training camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) performs a drill on the field during training camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons will head to Orlando to play the Miami Dolphins in a preseason game on Thursday (8 p.m. ET) looking for both the offense and defense to perform better in the red zone.

“We’ve had six red-zone trips and scored (touchdowns) on half of them,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “We want that number to be up. Defensively, we’ve let them down there three times and they’ve scored twice. That’s an area of emphasis for us heading into the game. Can we play better red-zone ball?”

In 2015, Quinn’s first as a head coach, the Falcons ranked 17th in offensive red-zone percentage (54.7) and tied for 26th in defensive red-zone percentage (62.2).

The red zone is the area of the field inside the 20-yard lines but, more specifically, Quinn said he wants to see better execution in what the Falcons call the “deep red zone,” inside the 12-yard line.

“Some of the (receiver) routes change because of the field position,” Quinn said Tuesday. “That’s the biggest thing is the awareness of how to play based on how long the field is now. It was a good session for us this week.”

— The interior of the Falcons’ offensive line is taking a new shape this season.

Ben Garland and rookie Wes Schweizter have come on strong and may push Mike Person, last season’s starting center, off the roster.

The starting spots appear set with Andy Levitre at left guard, Alex Mack at center and Chris Chester at right guard.

Schweitzer played 61 snaps against Cleveland, more than any player on the team. He’s expected to receive extensive action against Miami’s first and second teams.

The Falcons have to make sure he’s solid if he’s going to land the backup swing guard spot. Garland is a center and can also play guard.

“We want to see that matchup inside,” Quinn said. “We’re pumped to head down to Orlando and play Miami. It’s a good challenge for us. These preseason games are all different and the matchups are different so we’re ready to get this thing kicked off again.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Quinn wants to see some other players match up against NFL talent.

“I want to see the linebackers and safeties,” Quinn said. “I want to see (nickel back Brian) Poole matched up. C.J. Goodwin is another one that we’re trying to anxiously await to see what kind of role he can play. I wish there were more quarters to play because we want to take a look at a number of guys.”

— Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins will receive extensive action over the final two exhibition games before he has to serve his four-game suspension for using performing enhancing drugs.

“He played a lot and got extended time last week and we’ll do that again tomorrow and into the next one knowing that will be his action for the next month,” Quinn said.

Collins played 23 snaps against Cleveland, the most of any defensive player on the team and finished with two tackles.

Collins, who was drafted in the second round of the 2015 draft, struggled as a rookie. He was trying to come back from foot surgery and never really got comfortable playing the position.

The Falcons had hoped Collins would land the right cornerback job and then they could move Robert Alford to nickel back to shut down speedy slot receivers. That’s plan is on hold for now.

However, Collins, a big corner at 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, is still an important figure for the Falcons.

NFC South rival Carolina can present big receivers in Devin Funchess (6-foot-4, 225) and Kelvin Benjamin (6-foot-5, 245), while Tampa Bay has Vincent Jackson (6-foot-5, 230) and Mike Evans (6-foot-5, 231). That’s four games against massive receivers and if Collins can get ready, he can help in the Falcons’ defensive scheme.

The Falcons must also find out if C.J. Goodwin, who’s 6-3, 190 pounds, can successfully finish his conversion to cornerback from wide receiver.

Quinn has been pleased with how Collins has handled his suspension.

“He really came in with the right mindset knowing that was one of the first things we did when we talked to him right from the start, saying these are the guidelines and this is what we’re looking for you in this camp,” Quinn said.

Collins is still developing.

“I’ve seen a real increase from the spring even into training camp on his play,” Quinn said. “He was one of the guys that got his hands on one and made two interceptions (Monday). Good day by Jalen.”

NOTES: RB Terron Ward (ankle) and SS Kemal Ishmael (shoulder) will not play Thursday against Miami, but are expected to return for the final exhibition game against Jacksonville. … SLB/DE Vic Beasley is slated to play extensively against the Dolphins on Saturday after being a late scratch against Cleveland last week with a shoulder injury. … CB C.J. Goodwin, who’s coming back from a hamstring injury, will play extensively against Miami on Saturday. He’s a converted wide receiver. “C.J. Goodwin is another one that we’re trying to anxiously await to see what kind of role he can play,” Quinn said. “I wish there were more quarters to play because we want to take a look at a number of guys.”