Falcons snap counts and notes: TE Kyle Pitts maximizes brief debut

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith noted earlier in the week that a majority of the team’s starters would get some playing time in the preseason finale. While many players did make their preseason debuts, some fans were disappointed to see starters Matt Ryan, Calvin Ridley and Grady Jarrett among those held out.

Here is a rundown of Atlanta’s offensive and defensive snap counts from Sunday’s 19-10 loss to the Browns.

Offense - 55

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the snap counts for all Falcons players on offense. * = signifies the offense's starting 11

Notes: Offense

(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Falcons may not have opened the game on offense, but it was already made apparent that Matt Ryan wouldn't see snaps with Deion Jones and Grady Jarrett both sitting out for the defense. However, there were a number of players who made their preseason debuts, even for just one or two plays, including rookie tight end Kyle Pitts. Pitts may have only been on the field for two plays, but his 27-yard catch and run showed just how fast he can be with the football. Along the offensive line, left tackle Jake Matthews sat out as well and Willie Beavers started in his place. Beaver, who played all 55 snaps on offense. saw a majority of his snaps at right tackle. The snaps that Beavers took at right tackle, Kion Smith took over for left tackle. Jalen Mayfield fielded all his snaps at left guard after Josh Andrews appeared in only the first four plays. Ryan Neuzil, who spent the first two preseason games at left guard exclusively, played the full game at right guard.

Defense - 79

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the snap counts for all Falcons players on defense. * = signifies the defense's starting 11

Notes: Defense

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

As noted earlier, the Falcons defense was without a few players. However, Foye Oluokun, AJ Terrell, Duron Harmon, and Dante Fowler Jr. were among the players who made their limited debuts. Each played 10 snaps, with the exception of Oluokun, who played 16. Rookie safety Richie Grants finally got a long look at the safety position. Up until this point, he was playing primarily at slot corner. His 16 snaps at free safety were the most he's spent there all season. Additionally, the rookie spent more time in the box than usual with 12 snaps. Jaylinn Hawkins once again saw 25-plus snaps at free safety.

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