Preview -- Falcons at Lions, Ford Field

Ok, ok, I know it's just a pre-season game, but I'm bouncing in my seat in anticipation. It has been too long since we've seen these guys in action against a real opponent (insert Detroit Lions joke here) as opposed to a scrimmage against their own teammates. We're still a month away from the Falcons' season opener against the Dolphins. Here's a quick and dirty preview of today's game: What you'll see: Matt Ryan testing his newest toy, Tony Gonzalez, in a game situation. [Note: I don't really consider Gonzalez a toy, he's more of a dangerous weapon not to be toyed with...] Additionally, Matty-ice will likely be aiming for several targets down field, not just Gonzalez, Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Look for Marty Booker, Robert Ferguson, and Brian Finneran to get some game time in with the first unit. Head Coach Mike Smith will be looking for number 3 on this depth chart to replace the injured Harry Douglas. Don't be shocked to see a reverse from any of these three. A different face for every punt return the Falcons make. "We're going to rotate those guys in the game and each guy will get an opportunity. Hopefully we will force enough punts so that we'll get to see all the guys that are competing for punt return," says Coach Smith. Brent Grimes seems to have the inside track to the position full-time, but Eric Weems, Ferguson, Finneran, and a few others all will be tried out. A lot of people in Georgia cheering for the Lions' second-string QB. Matt Stafford will likely remain a fan favorite in Bulldog nation. Every defensive lineman on our team trying to make the game miserable for every QB on the Lions' roster. John Abraham probably won't see much game time, and Jonathan Babineaux essentially has his position locked up, but Jamaal Anderson is anxious to prove he isn't a bust, Peria Jerry will want to demonstrate he's a pro-caliber player, Trey Lewis will try to show he's worthy of the first team, and Chauncey Davis will be challenging Anderson for his starting job. Jason Jefferson, Thomas Johnson, Kroy Biermann, Vance Walker, and Lawrence Sidbury will also all be duking it out for roster spots. Willie Evans, Tywain Miles, and Maurice Lucas will also likely see some game time in the 4th quarter. What you won't see: Matt Ryan for more than a quarter. Smith has already determined th at all 4 Falcons QB's will get a quarter to themselves, though he hasn't released the order. Says Smitty, "...we're not going to talk about the order. We don't want the Lions to have an idea of what will happen in Detroit." Another former UGA Bulldog, D.J. Shockley has a lot he wants to prove, to himself, to the team and to the fans, and he is gunning hard for the second-string job. Chris Redman is the incumbent, and won't give it up so easily, and John Parker Wilson will be striving to make the move from undrafted free agent signee to roster invitee. A lot of Michael Turner. The Falcons have already stated that they don't want him approaching the 376 carries he had during the 2008 campaign, so don't expect to see too much of him during the pre-season. Smith will want to keep his legs fresh for the regular season. Norwood will handle a bulk of the rushing attack during the first half, and Thomas Brown and Jason Snelling will double up during the second half, each looking for the 3rd string position. Ovie Mughelli may get trotted out in a few experimental rushing plays, also. Much Chris Houston. He's the only corner that seems to have his position secure, and even though Brent Grimes looks to be the starter opposite him, Smith will likely have all of his corners, other than Houston, playing throughout the game. Von Hutchins, returning from an injury, would like to get in on the starting rotation, or at least the nickel-back spot. Chevis Jackson would like to pick up where he left off last season. Christopher Owens will be aiming for a roster spot, as will William Middleton. William Moore. Out following a knee surgery, Moore will be falling in behind Thomas DeCoud at the free safety position. Erik Coleman will be taking the strong safety spot. Antoine Harris will likely keep his role on special teams, but will be gunning to move up the ladder on the safety depth chart. Jamaal Fudge and Eric Brock will also be in the mix. Anyone caring about the score. These pre-season games aren't about winning or losing. It's a chance to see all of the players you hope you'll never see throughout the regular season. It's a chance for the coaches to make more informed roster decisions. It's a chance for the fans to try to plan their fantasy squads. But, perhaps most of all, it's a chance for the Lions to continue their 4-0 pre-season streak from last season. A quote from after the last game of the Lions' 2008 pre-season: "I'm really looking forward to the regular season," said [Lions safety Daniel] Bullocks. "Our team is doing good - we finished 4-0 in the pre-season. As a whole, our group of guys, we're trusting each other, we believe in each other and we expect to win. It still counts. It really doesn't count as far as statistics, but it still counts." I guess you gotta take what you can get.Game time: 4pm Eastern, carried in Atlanta on 11 Alive NBC and 92.9 DaveFM