Preview -- Falcons at Rams, Edward Jones Stadium

I have to be honest. Last week's second half debacle has rattled my faith in this rebuilt defense. The first half looked good, but depth is a concern for any team, and if the defense loses multiple starters in a game, the young backups haven't yet shown me that they can handle stepping in during a game situation. On the other hand, it was only the first game of the preseason, and, especially amongst the rookies, there is a lot of adjustment and adaptation that has to be made, and that is to be expected. Looking forward to tonight's game against the Rams, I'd like to see more of the rookies, and other non-regular players, with a chance to mix it in among the usual starters to see how they fit in. I would also like to see more of D.J. Shockley and John Parker Wilson in action to see how they run the offense over a longer stretch of time. Matt Ryan would like some more game time as well, and some opportunity to work with different players he might see in game situations. Here's what you will see: Jason Snelling and Thomas Brown. With Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood set in their roles at numbers 1 & 2, Snelling and Brown will be duking it out for the number 3 spot on the roster. Snelling's experience with the squad last year will likely give him the edge, but Thomas Brown is a versatile player, and a hometown favorite, given his playing time at UGA. Eric Weems and Chandler Williams. With Harry Douglas out, the battle for starting punt-returner is ongoing. Weems has the edge after week 1. More Tony Gonzalez, at least through the first quarter, and maybe the first half. Mike Mularkey is still working him into the offensive schemes, so he will probably be the go-to target for Matt Ryan and possibly the backups early in the game, as well as a force in blocking. Here's what you won't see: Much Chris Redman. Matt Ryan wants more time on the field, and D.J. Shockley and John Parker Wilson need to show the coaches what they can do, so Redman will be the odd man out, though with the understanding that he has nothing to prove. He showed last week that he can still come in and manage the game, and is still adequate in the passing department. Much John Abraham. Keeping the starting powers healthy will be a priority for the remainder of the preseason, and Abraham, a known health-risk, has little need to be on the field at this time. There isn't a person involved in the NFL that isn't aware of what he is capable of. Secondary disarray. The second-half defense in the backfield last week was enormously disorganized, and the Lions were able to capitalize on it. The players still vying for a roster spot will have to stay focused to have a shot. What to look for: The starters. This will likely be the last week Ryan, Turner, Gonzalez, Roddy White or Eric Coleman will see more than a single drive of action, so get your fill. September 13th is still a ways away. The defensive line. Peria Jerry may get some more time with the first team defense, as well as Chauncey Davis. Jamaal Anderson still has a long way to go to win over this fan base, and is likely on his last chance over the remainder of the preseason and first few games of the regular season to keep his starting role. Thomas Johnson is battling it out for the starting DT spot and is off to a good start. Mike Smith will be most pleased if he can get pressure on the opposing QB with just the front four throughout the game. Game time 8pm (EST), carried locally on 11Alive and 92.9 DaveFM