FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Quarterback Matt Ryan commanded everyone's attention as the Atlanta Falcons opened their preseason with a 20-17 loss at Jacksonville. But first-year Falcons coach Mike Smith also was impressed with other high draft picks.
Another first-rounder, left tackle Sam Baker, gave up a sack to Paul Spicer that was nullified by a Jaguars offside penalty, but Baker generally held his ground against Jacksonville's 10th-year defensive end.
Atlanta's second-round pick, linebacker Curtis Lofton, tied for the team lead with six tackles. Chevis Jackson, the first of three third-round picks, started at right cornerback in place of Chris Houston and worked well in man-to-man and zone coverages.
Another third-rounder, receiver Harry Douglas, caught two passes for 19 yards, but was penalized twice on consecutive plays for a false start and an illegal shift.
Jackson, whose 34-yard interception return for LSU helped seal the Tigers' national title win over Ohio State seven months ago, played patiently and aggressively against the Jaguars.
When Houston returns, Jackson is expected to contribute mostly as a nickel corner.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-08-11-08 2019EDT
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