Did the Atlanta Falcons do enough in their preseason opener to get you excited?
Dan Quinn's debut has to go down as a success, not for beating the Titans but in the way the team went about its business. It certainly wasn't pretty or dominant, but on the whole there were more positives than negatives.
When was the last time you could say that about any Falcons' game?
Here's a closer look at the good and the bad from the 31-24 game:
The Good
* The passing game should reclaim its place at or near the top of the NFL this season if the first-team offense's showing is any indication. Matt Ryan was perfect, Julio Jones looked better than ever, rookie Justin Hardy showed some of what has the coaching staff giddy about his potential and we didn't even get to see Roddy White, Devin Hester and much of Leonard Hankerson or tight end Jacob Tamme. Non-drafted free agent Nick Williams really upped his stock with a few fearless grabs over the middle.
* The defensive line has the potential to be the most improved area on the team. Top pick Vic Beasley had a good moment or two, but it was the overall depth that really stood out. Veteran Jonathan Babineaux, who won't be asked to play 90 percent of the snaps, looked great. Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai, last year's big line pickups, looked good in their new roles as well.
* There were actually linebackers making plays Friday night. Justin Durant had the pick on a screen pass, which most people blamed Titans' rookie Marcus Mariota for throwing. However, when was the last time a Falcons' linebacker had the presence of mind to sniff out a screen? Paul Worrilow, with help on the outside, looked to be in control. If Brooks Reed can be a difference maker, this could be a nice unit.
* Matt Bryant's value really goes up this year. The longer PATs will be an issue with some teams this season (the Titans missed one), but "Money" was his usual spot-on self. It's nice not to have to worry about the kicking game.
* Coaching decisions didn't leave us shaking our heads for once. The most notable was when the Faclns were given a chance to go for it on fourth-and-1 following a Tennessee penalty near midfield. The old regime would have punted or called timeout to make a decision. Quinn never hesitated.
The Bad
* The offensive line was mostly handled by a Titans D-line not exactly known for being dominant. While the first team line protected Matt Ryan on its first drive, the running game was non-existent. It's hard to point to where the issues were, but center stood out, whether it was Joe Hawley, Mike Person or Peter Konz, who finally may have played his way off the team. Thomas Dimitrof and Scott Pioli will be scanning the waiver wire early and often in the coming weeks.
* I know they were being cautious with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, but the backfield play was subpar. Of course, the line played a big part in that, but that underscores the fact that the team needs backs who can find extra yards. Antone Smith fits that mold, but can he stay healthy? Apparently not. Freeman and Coleman need to show something in the coming weeks.
* People have been piling on rookie corner Jalen Collins for getting repeatedly torched, and rightfully so. He made a couple of nice tackles and isn't afraid to throw his body around. However, with the exception of the ball he tipped that led an interception, his coverage was awful. He seems to want to eyeball the quarterback a bit too much and loses contact with the receiver. Hopefully he'll survive what promises to be an ugly film session and will learn from it.
Overall, the game showed a team capable of putting up big numbers and one also capable of giving up big numbers.
By the way, let's throw some kudos to Senorise Perry. The former Chattooga High School star solidified his status with the Bears with a team-best 89 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. He really stood out on special teams last year as a rookie and could see a few more carries this season.
Atlanta Braves' Cameron Maybin, right, gestures as he runs past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp to score after hitting a solo home run in their game Saturday, July 4, 2015, in Atlanta. Looking at the 2016 Braves
For a team on the build, the Braves have a nearly-set starting lineup for the 2016 season (of course, barring trades).
Unless something happens, left field and maybe catcher are the open spots. If the team can talk A.J. Pierzynski into playing one more season - and why would he not play? - and if Christian Bethancourt can get his defensive mechanics fixed, catcher won't be an issue in 2016.
Freddie Freeman is set at first base, Jace Peterson at second and Andrelton Simmons at short. Hector Olivera, who is about to make his debut, should be a cornerstone at third (unless he ends up in left field). Cameron Maybin has earned the centerfield job and Nick Markakis is set in right, though he could be moved to left if a better arm is found for right.
Of course, Michael Bourn, Jonny Gomes and Eury Perez could all be in the mix, but it would be nice to get a power bat. A top of the order consisting of Maybin, Peterson, Freeman, Olivera, Markakis and a power bat would be more than decent.
Spring training should be really interesting regarding the starting rotation. Outside of Shelby Miller and Julio Teheran, the rest of the spots will be up for grabs among a group that could reach 10 strong.
Expect John Hart and crew to concentrate on finding a couple of reliable relievers to settle the bullpen. The closer's job is Arodys Vizcaino's to lose, but the remaining spots could be open.
Considering the way the Nationals are imploding, the 2016 NL East could be more interesting than most would think.