Atlanta Falcons dump Jacksonville Jaguars

ATLANTA — Reserve Terron Ward rushed for two touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons posted a 17-15 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night to finish the preseason with a 3-1 mark.

Jaguars rookie quarterback Brandon Allen, a sixth-round pick from Arkansas, had two touchdown passes, including a 25-yarder to Shaq Evans. He also completed a pass for a two-point conversion and finished 17-of-26 for 164 yards.

Jacksonville (1-3) held out all of its offensive and defensive starters, while the Falcons used some of their regulars in limited roles. Quarterback Matt Ryan took the Falcons’ first snap, handing off to Devonta Freeman, and then both left for good.

Matt Sims, who was on the practice squad last year, played all except the first series for the Falcons and completed 16-of-23 passes for 217 yards. Ward had 3- and 1-yard touchdown runs.

Veteran Falcons kicker Matt Bryant, who had missed the two previous games with leg tightness, showed he was ready to start the season by kicking a 27-yard field goal at the end of the first half and two extra points. Shayne Graham missed a 32-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter.

Linebacker Myles Jack, a second-round draft choice from UCLA, was in on the Jaguars’ first four tackles. Cornerback Josh Johnson had one of two Jacksonville interceptions, but fumbled on a kickoff return to set up Bryant’s field goal.

Jason Myers missed field goal attempts of 57 and 49 yards for Jacksonville.