Jacksonville Jaguars vs Atlanta Falcons Box Score on Aug 31, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Aug 31, 2017

Brandon Allen, behind a strong rushing attack, guided the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 13-7 exhibition victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

As the coaches elected to rest their starters, instead of Matt Ryan and Blake Bortles battling it out, Matt Simms and Allen were the quarterbacks in the fourth and final preseason game.

Allen, who completed 22 of 31 passes for 265 yards, tossed a touchdown pass and set up two field goals while guiding the reserves. The former Arkansas standout connected with wide receiver Dede Westbrook for a 43-yard touchdown late in the first quarter when Westbrook got behind Falcons cornerback Akeem King.

Allen also threw three interceptions but kept his composure. He had a lot of help from the Jaguars' rushing attack, which amassed more than 130 yards.

Tim Cook, who rushed 12 times for 50 yards, and Jonathan Grimes, who ran 16 times for 51 yards, led the ground game.

The game was stopped early for safety Jarrod Harper, who was injured on a punt coverage play and was carried off the field on a stretcher. He was evaluated for a concussion.

The Jaguars ended the preseason with a 2-2 record and the Falcons dropped to 0-4.

Simms directed the Falcons for most of the game before giving way for Alex Torgersen in the fourth quarter. Simms wasn't able to get much going until he connected with Marvin Hall on a 65-yard pass play that set up a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Simms completed 11 of 15 passes for 195 yards.

Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson had perfect coverage on a fade route behind Westbrook. He leaped and tipped Allen's pass with his right hand and came up with an interception in the end zone to stop Jacksonville's second possession.

Allen and Westbrook got revenge later.

Linebacker Jermaine Grace intercepted a pass intended for tight end Alex Ellis with 7:44 left in the second quarter. Chris Odom tipped a pass and Sharrod Neasman intercepted in the end zone.