Atlanta Falcons searching for special teams contributors

FLOWERY BRANCH (TNS) — Falcons special team coordinator Keith Armstrong is the most important coach on Dan Quinn’s staff this week.

Prospects’ futures in the NFL hinge on whether they can contribute on special teams. Armstrong and Quinn will be watching them closely when the Falcons (2-1) face Jacksonville (1-2) in the final exhibition game at 7 p.m. tonight at the Georgia Dome.

“I always kind of like this game,” Quinn said. “To see some young guys 100 percent going for it. Hopefully, they jump out on tape after the game as well, too.”

Wide receiver Eric Weems, originally an undrafted free agent, made the Falcons as a special teams player back in 2007 out of Bethune-Cookman. He went to the Pro Bowl after the 2010 season as a special teams star.

He knows what Armstrong and Quinn are looking for.

“Guys have to go out there and fight,” Weems said. “You have to have the attitude to want and do it. If you don’t have the correct attitude, you’re not going to succeed at it. Once you set your mind that you can do it, you’ll be able to.”

The Falcons have some decisions at the glamour special team positions.

They must decide on a field goal kicker between Matt Bryant and Shayne Graham. They also must decide on their kickoff and punt returners.

But it’s those other positions, the ones away from the ball, that will get most of Armstrong’s attention.

“Who’s been consistent is really the biggest thing,” Armstrong said. “A guy might not have a ton of tackles, but he’s doing the right things consistently. In punt protection, has he not been a part of a breakdown?”

The tacklers on the coverage teams get the most scrutiny.

“He may not necessarily make a tackle, but maybe his guy doesn’t make a tackle,” Armstrong said. “He blocks his (behind) off. … Is he busting his butt to get down the field? You’re looking for guys with some grit and toughness.”

The Falcons’ special teams units were ranked 22nd out of 32 teams in the league in 2015 by the Dallas Morning News and profootballfocus.com.

While Armstrong was pleased with the play of wide receiver Justin Hardy, running back Terron Ward and safety Robenson Therezie, at least early in season, Armstrong felt his units were “average” last year.

The Falcons are looking to upgrade all special teams by developing a deeper and more talented roster.

“We really want to make special teams a priority and give it its due and respect,” Quinn said. “It’s all hands on deck. We’ve put a number of different people on punt (team). I thought the tight ends have totally come up big. (Austin) Hooper and (Joshua) Perkins are two that have just nailed it.”

Veteran linebacker LaRoy Reynolds is a speedy special teams player trying to make the 53-man roster.

“The linebacker corps, to me, all through the guys, the emphasis they put in with Keith has certainly helped,” Quinn said. “It’s no surprise their position coach (Jeff Ulbrich) was a really good special teams player, too.”

After facing Jacksonville, the Falcons must cut down to their 53-man roster by 4 p.m. on Saturday. Starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the team can establish a 10-member practice squad.

Armstrong and Quinn will decide those finals roster spots.

“It’s tough because you put the whole thing together, so it’s more (that) you’ve got to think about the team in that situation,” Armstrong said. “So where does he help everywhere? Versatility is good, particularly at the bottom of the roster.”