Falcons vs. Jets 3 To Watch: Desmond Ridder and Who?

At 6-6, 300 pounds, Dalton proved to be a versatile piece for Atlanta's defensive line, primarily playing 5-technique defensive end and 3-technique defensive tackle. As a pass rusher, Dalton showed strong hands and leg drive to collapse pockets on the outside. 

Against the run, he displayed both quickness and power, as he held stout at the line of scrimmage on some reps and shot interior gaps on others, while showing more pursuit ability than expected for his size.

Dalton received a shoutout from Smith for his performance in the game, and with a similar effort against the Jets, his spot on Atlanta's 53-man roster will be in good shape entering the final preseason contest.

Dee Alford

For as good as Ridder and Dalton were in their Falcons debut, perhaps no newcomer was as impressive as Alford. A Canadian Football League All-Star in 2021, Alford led Atlanta's defense in tackles as a cornerback, and had an outstanding diving interception. 

While being the leading tackler can sometimes spell a bad outing for defensive backs, Alford's numbers stemmed much more from effort than being out of position. He carried his strong form into an open practice last week in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, intercepting a Marcus Mariota pass and breaking up another, and worked with the first-team defense at nickel corner during the practices with the Jets.

The latter part will be the primary thing to watch with Alford - if he proves he can succeed in the slot, it'll only help his roster odds, as versatility reigns supreme on cut down day. Further, with his recent ascension to reps with the starters, is it possible that Alford opens the game alongside established corners A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward?

If Alford is on the field with the rest of Atlanta's starting defense, the story around him will quickly shift from his fight to make the roster to the heights his ascension can reach.

Ridder, Dalton, Alford and the rest of the Falcons will kick off at 8 p.m. Monday on ESPN.