Atlanta, GA
Falcons Fall to Jaguars in Preseason Finale: Recap, Takeaways and Standouts
The Atlanta Falcons suffered a 31-0 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Friday night’s preseason finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta finished the exhibition slate with an 0-3 record.
The next time Atlanta hits the turf on its home field will be Sept. 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when the games — and consequences — will be real.
But on Friday night, the Falcons were loose, so much that head coach Raheen Morris jogged over and joined a Jaguars’ pre-game huddle.
Still, with 60 minutes of football in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Morris and staff received their final evaluation period of over 50 players before roster cuts Aug. 27.
Here’s what to know from Friday night’s blowout …
Jaguars Play Starters, Falcons Don’t
Jacksonville played its first-team offense, headlined by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, until the midway point of the second quarter. Similarly, the Jaguars’ starting defense played for the entire first half.
The Falcons, conversely, took a similar approach to their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, sitting roughly 40 players. No members of Atlanta’s starting offense or defense took the field, nor did backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who played in the opener Aug. 9 against the Miami Dolphins but was a healthy scratch the past two games.
[ Falcons Coach Morris Explains Michael Penix Jr. Not Playing at Ravens in Preseason]
Atlanta’s starters dressed and warmed up pre-game, with the idea likely to get a similar feel for a typical pre-game routine at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but once the game began, most players returned to street clothes.
Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who didn’t play in the preseason, donned a helmet on the sideline, listening to play calls and taking mental reps. But otherwise, that’s as close as any of Atlanta’s key players got to seeing the field Friday.
Top Standouts
With significant snaps available for the Falcons’ third- and fourth-string players, there was no shortage of opportunities to make a statement against Jacksonville’s starters. A few took advantage of the opportunity.
At halftime, receivers Casey Washington and Chris Blair each had a pair of grabs, Washington totaling 31 yards while Blair gained 18. As Atlanta looks to round out its No. 5 and 6 spots at wideout, Washington and Blair appear to be the favorites. They finished as the lone Falcons with multiple receptions.
Recently signed running back Spencer Brown was Atlanta’s leading rusher, taking 11 carries for 51 yards. He’s on the outside looking in for the team’s final running back spot, as Carlos Washington Jr. and Jase McClellan are the top internal options, but Brown certainly impressed Friday.
Washington had a limited role, seeing four carries for seven yards while catching one pass for seven yards. McClellan wasn’t much more efficient, gaining 12 yards on four attempts. He also had one reception for 11 yards.
Defensively, linebacker Donavan Mutin collected a game-high 18 tackles, 13 of which were solo. It’s the most of any Falcon this preseason.
In the secondary, assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray cited cornerbacks Kevin King, Natrone Brooks and undrafted rookie Jayden Price as his first half standouts against Jacksonville’s starting offense. Brooks and Price each notched six tackles, while King added three more.
King Sees New Role, Which May Help Roster Hopes for Brooks
For as unrepresentative as the preseason can be at times, the Falcons had an interesting defensive alignment in the first half — King, who has played outside corner the entire offseason, saw extensive action at safety.
Atlanta’s starting safeties are set, with Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons holding down those roles and Richie Grant expected to rotate in as a capable third option. But with DeMarcco Hellams set to miss significant time due to an ankle injury suffered against Miami, there will be a spot available at the No. 4 slot.
Micah Abernathy is expected to fill that duty, but King’s versatility gives the Falcons options. It also allows Atlanta to keep Hellams on the initial roster before placing him on injured reserve so he can return later this season, as Morris alluded is possible.
Another point in King’s potential move to safety is the Falcons opening a roster spot at corner, which could benefit Brooks come cut day. Atlanta will likely carry six corners, and King is the favorite to get the last spot — unless, of course, he’s no longer officially labeled as one.
QBs Struggle
Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s preseason was a rollercoaster that ultimately ended at a low point. After a dismal 4-for-11, 11-yard performance against Miami, Heinicke bounced back in Baltimore, going 8-of-16 for 114 yards.
On Friday night, Heinicke was somewhere in the middle of the two but wasn’t necessarily impressive. He finished 8-of-17 for 81 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per attempt.
Fourth-string undrafted rookie passer John Paddock was given just three pass attempts in the second half, completing one for a four-yard gain. The Falcons spent much of the final 30 minutes rushing the ball, gaining further evaluation of Brown entering cut day.
After the game, Morris told the broadcast crew the Falcons will have some decisions to make at quarterback. Paddock appears likely to be cut but is a prime practice squad candidate.
Real intrigue surrounds Heinicke, who could be the team’s No. 3 passer while just as easily being cut or traded. Only time will tell which outcome occurs — but the 31-year-old expressed interest postgame in sticking with the organization.
“You see a lot of special things during practice, during camp,” said Heinicke, who mentioned the additions of Simmons and outside linebacker Matt Judon, along with the team’s energy and offseason growth. “Those are the things that make me want to stay here.”
After Months of Work, Film is Final
The Falcons’ next time on the gridiron will be Wednesday at IBM Performance Field, the day after cuts. As such, Friday night was the last opportunity for players to impress on film.
Now comes a 72-hour stretch that Morris — from a human perspective — despises: Releasing 37 players to bring the roster from 90 to 53. Atlanta can, of course, sign 16 players to its practice squad, but the principle remains difficult for Morris.
“This is the toughest time in football,” Morris told the broadcast, “when you’ve got to release people and kill people’s dreams.”
Apart from quarterback, Morris noted the depth of the Falcons’ defensive line when discussing the most challenging positions to trim.
He mentioned earlier in training camp Atlanta may go heavier up front because of how many talented players it has, but even then, a few capable candidates — like defensive tackles LaCale London and Zion Logue — may find themselves on the outside looking in.
Preseason … Not Often Representative
The Falcons have gone winless during the exhibition slate three times in their last seven tries.
The first came in 2017, when they followed by going 10-6, winning a road playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams and falling just short against the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Atlanta also went winless in 2018, when it trudged through an injury-plagued season and finished 7-9, and again in 2021, when it went 7-10 in the first year of then-coach Arthur Smith’s first campaign.
How the Falcons’ season ultimately unfolds remains to be seen, but this much is for sure: The results of this preseason serve as no indicator for what’s to come.
The real answer will start to be shared Sept. 8 against Pittsburgh — but that’s two weeks away. For now, Morris and staff are focused on assembling the most competitive team possible, a goal that will see a critical three-day span culminating in Tuesday’s looming roster cuts.
Thousands of Atlanta immigrants face deportations
Hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants face potential deportation starting July 27 after a Supreme Court ruling allowed the administration to end Temporary Protected Status, according to legal advocates.
ATLANTA – A Supreme Court ruling allowing the end of Temporary Protected Status has sparked widespread fear among tens of thousands of Haitian immigrants living across Georgia.
The major legal decision clears the way for federal authorities to resume deportations next month.
Georgia immigrants face deportation
What we know:
The Supreme Court ruled last week that the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 1-million immigrants. This decision affects roughly 350,000 Haitian immigrants nationwide, including thousands who legally reside and work in metro Atlanta.
Former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf called the ruling a dramatic win for the administration and common sense. However, local immigration lawyer Lana Joseph said, “these are people who are well vetted, who work here, raise children, pay taxes.”
Atlanta community fears violence
What they’re saying:
An anonymous Haitian woman living in metro Atlanta expressed profound terror, calling the sudden legal shift an absolute nightmare. She said, “I am worried about the future more because I don’t know what’s going to happen to me,” fearing she could be killed by heavily armed gangs that currently overrun much of Haiti.
Dr. Jean Billy Beaufils, president of the Georgia Haitian Leadership Coalition, strongly condemned the decision, describing any forced return to Haiti as suicide. Joseph added that some facing removal entered the country as infants and know no other home.
Legal protections ending soon
What’s next:
The Trump administration is authorized to begin deportations on July 27 following the expiration of the legal safeguards. Meanwhile, immigration advocates are pressing Congress to intervene and extend protections for vulnerable communities.
Unresolved immigration details
What we don’t know:
Officials have not yet confirmed exactly how many individuals within Georgia will face immediate removal actions starting next month. It also remains unclear whether federal authorities will prioritize specific cases or execute widespread enforcement operations.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 reporter Christopher King, who interviewed affected Haitian community members and legal experts in metro Atlanta, as well as broadcast pool feeds featuring federal policy statements.
Here’s a closer look at Atlanta’s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this summer. The new and renovated Atlanta-area venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
Hotel Phoenix
Rendering: Courtesy of Green Olive Media
One of downtown Atlanta’s most anticipated openings, Hotel Phoenix brings 292 guest rooms, 15 suites, and more than 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space to the rapidly evolving Centennial Yards district, just in time for FIFA festivities. Opening in December 2025, the 18-story property sits steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and offers floor-to-ceiling skyline views throughout. For planners, the headline is the flexible event footprint, anchored by an 8,214-square-foot ballroom that can be separated into three spaces by airwalls. The indoor flexibility is complemented by outdoor gathering spaces, which debuted this spring, including a resort-style pool deck, event lawn, and terrace lounge. With modern industrial design, built-in AV capabilities, and easy access to Atlanta’s sports and entertainment corridor, Hotel Phoenix is poised to become a go-to destination for conferences, galas, receptions, and high-energy corporate events.
JW Marriott Atlanta Downtown
Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott Atlanta Downtown
Following a complete transformation of the former W Atlanta Downtown, JW Marriott Atlanta Downtown debuted in May with 237 guest rooms and nearly 10,000 square feet of refreshed meeting and event space. The property’s redesigned venues include conference rooms, banquet spaces, prefunction areas, and JW Marriott’s signature Blank Canvas Room, a gallery-style venue featuring white walls and wood floors designed to be fully customized for any event vision. An elevated boardroom, one of the city’s largest executive lounges, wellness-focused guest accommodations, and a rooftop pool bar add extra appeal for executive retreats and multi-day conferences. For planners seeking a luxury downtown option with a fresh new identity, this one deserves a spot on the shortlist.
Cosm Atlanta
Photo: Courtesy of Cosm Atlanta
If your attendees have already seen every ballroom in Atlanta, introduce them to Cosm. The new 70,000-square-foot venue in Centennial Yards is anchored by an 87-foot-diameter LED dome that delivers immersive “shared reality” experiences unlike anything currently available in the meetings market. The three-level venue accommodates up to 2,000 guests across three distinct event environments. The Dome seats up to 500 for screenings, presentations, and private experiences beneath the massive 12K+ LED display. The Hall offers a two-story event space with theater seating for 500, while The Deck provides outdoor reception space for up to 400 guests overlooking Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. From product launches and media events to client entertainment and branded activations, Cosm offers planners a built-in wow factor that requires very little additional dressing.
SKOL Brewing Company & Valhalla Gaming Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Caren West PR
Already known for its Nordic-inspired brewpub atmosphere inside downtown Atlanta’s historic 200 Peachtree building, SKOL Brewing Company is leveling up with the addition of Valhalla Gaming Lounge, a 30,000-square-foot expansion designed for immersive group experiences. Combined with SKOL’s existing 5,000-square-foot footprint, the venue creates a sprawling entertainment destination packed with more than 40 interactive attractions, including simulators, bocce courts, billiards, darts, arcade games, and experiential gaming zones. Private event options are already available, making this a compelling choice for team-building programs, client entertainment, conference after-parties, and events that need a healthy dose of friendly competition.
Thrillz Atlanta
Photo: Courtesy of Thrillz Atlanta & Brown Bag Marketing
Forget trust falls. Thrillz Atlanta is bringing adrenaline-fueled team building to the city with a massive indoor adventure park featuring more than 20 attractions under one roof. Designed for group outings, corporate events, and large-scale celebrations, the venue combines amusement rides, virtual reality experiences, laser tag, duckpin bowling, obstacle courses, arcade gaming, and towering slide attractions reaching up to 40 feet high. Ten themed private event rooms, dedicated event coordinators, and full food-and-beverage service make planning surprisingly turnkey. For companies looking to inject some serious energy into meetings, incentive programs, or employee events, Thrillz offers an experience attendees won’t forget.
You42 Studios
Photo: Courtesy of You42 Studios
Part content campus, part entertainment complex, part event venue, You42 Studios is one of the most unconventional new event destinations to open in metro Atlanta. Located in Roswell, the 36,000-square-foot facility combines creator studios, production suites, restaurants, nightlife concepts, live entertainment, and flexible event space under one roof. For planners, versatility is the selling point. The campus includes a 3,800-square-foot event venue, 11 professional content-creation studios, podcast suites, themed production sets, and The Block Theater, featuring a 30-by-18-foot LED screen for presentations, screenings, and live performances. Add multiple food-and-beverage concepts led by celebrity chef Katsuji Tanabe, and You42 becomes a one-stop shop for conferences, content-driven events, brand launches, influencer programs, and corporate gatherings looking for something far more memorable than a hotel meeting room.
Peachtree Sporting Club & American Dive
Photo: Zachary Bobo
Downtown Atlanta’s new 207 Peachtree development is betting big on experiential events. The 45,000-square-foot entertainment, dining, and event destination opened this month with Peachtree Sporting Club, an upscale sports bar concept, and American Dive, a live music venue serving Southern barbecue in a nostalgic dive-bar setting. For planners looking to move beyond traditional ballrooms, the venue offers built-in energy, multiple environments under one roof, and the flexibility to host everything from watch parties and networking receptions to buyouts and branded activations. It’s the kind of place where attendees can swap conference badges for cocktails without ever leaving the venue.
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