Falcons Bubble Watch: QB Chris Redman in danger of losing backup responsibilities

All three of these players, who are on the tail ends of their careers, will be on the Falcons' final roster but each may see a decrease in the amount of playing time they'll be allotted.

By Mike Singer

Aug 23, 2012 at 6:14 pm ET • 2 min read

The Falcons didn’t see a lot of turnover this offseason because, frankly, not many areas needed significant improvement. Most of the positions are held by solid veterans or by emerging stars, neither of which need replacing. The lone player whom the Falcons acquired this offseason was Asante Samuel, the former four-time Pro Bowler.

Samuel represents one of the Falcons’ big names that’s undoubtedly on the roster, but is in jeopardy of seeing his playing time diminished. Other’s include backup QB Chris Redman and to a lesser degree, running back Michael Turner. All three have a spot on the roster but for Samuel and Redman, both are mired in a position battle that could shift depending on Friday night’s performances against the Dolphins.

Asante Samuel (CB, 10^th year, Eagles’ first-string cornerback in 2011)

The Falcons gameday operations announced Samuel, Grimes, and Robinson all as starters last Thursday when they faced Cincinnati in the second exhibition game. When pressed on the decision, coach Mike Smith pledged that the team will handle the decision internally. Samuel has been a productive corner for both the Eagles and Patriots since he was drafted in 2003. However last year, Samuel had his fewest interceptions (3) since 2005 and the fewest deflected passes (10) since his rookie season. The guess here is that Samuel will ultimately play in nickel coverage.

Chris Redman (QB, 13^th year, Falcons’ backup quarterback in 2011)

Chris Redman has been with the Falcons for parts of the last six years, predominantly backing up 5^th year QB Matt Ryan and rarely seeing any substantial time on the field. In five games last year, he was 18-of-28 for 188 yards and one interception. So far this preseason, he’s 11 for 21 with an interception and no touchdowns. The last time Redman threw a touchdown in the regular season was 2009. Redman’s still listed as No. 2 QB on the official depth chart but rookie free agent Dominique Davis has made an impression on the Falcons coaching staff through two preseason games. Davis, who was once a teammate of Matt Ryan’s at Boston College before transferring to Eastern Carolina, has thrown for 174 yards with a touchdown and an interception this preseason. His mobility is a huge upgrade from Redman.

Michael Turner (RB, 9^th year, Falcons’ starting running back since 2008)

Turner is by no means going to be relegated to the second-team behind Jacquizz Rodgers but he is going to see less action at the position. Every year that he’s been healthy, Turner has had more than 300 rushing attempts with more than 1,300 yards rushing, including last year. He’s been in the top-seven in terms of rushing attempts throughout his healthy years as well. It’s difficult to discern whether the Falcons haven’t exposed Turner this preseason (8 attempts for 14 yards) because they want to rest him, or because he isn’t expected to be the focal point of the Falcons attack anymore. It’s clear that Atlanta’s offense is geared toward a more aerial style with top receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones.

For more Falcons coverage, follow Mike Singer @CBSSportsNFLATL.