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Will Falcons' Woodside Make 53-Man Roster?
USA TODAY Sports

After a frankly abysmal first half for the Atlanta Falcons, as they picked up just 55 total yards in a dominant 30 minutes of play from the Pittsburgh Steelers, third-string quarterback Logan Woodside managed to make a case to secure himself a spot on the 53-man roster despite the shutout 24-0 loss.

In what may have been a bit of deja vu, the second half's opening drive may have been the best, yet they have nothing to show for it due to a turnover. After a first half where the Falcons didn't have a drive longer than six plays, Woodside led the team on a threatening 12-play drive where he completed six of his seven passes. 

Although, like last week for the Falcons starters against the Cincinnati Bengals, the promising drive ended with a turnover, as Carlos Washington Jr. fumbled the ball on a three-yard run inside the Steelers' 10-yard line.  

Woodside's performance against the Steelers capped off a preseason in which he had a strong showing in his three appearances. However, none of them may be more impactful than his performance in the face of adversity versus the Steelers. 

In an otherwise poor performance for the Falcons, Woodside kept his composure and finished the game as one of the few bright spots as he completed 24 of his 31 passes for 196 yards. 

Combine that with the NFL's new rule allowing teams to carry an "emergency" third quarterback for gamedays without having it count against the 53-man limit; Woodside put his best foot forward this preseason and at least gave the Falcons confidence they don't need to look elsewhere for a third-string quarterback. 

Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

This article first appeared on FanNation Falcon Report and was syndicated with permission.

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