Falcons vs. Jaguars Game Day Newsletter 2Aug29Falcons_Layout_Digital | Page 13

Marrone played offensive line for the Miami
Dolphins and New Orleans Saints in the NFL
before a stint with the London Monarchs of the
World League of American Football. team or getting signed later in the season once
attrition adds up around the league. Others
might play their fi nal snap of organized football
tonight.
“I just remember playing in the last game and
going to bed that night and thinking to myself,
‘When I walk in that building, within fi ve to
ten to fi fteen minutes, my whole life is going
to change one way or the other,’ whether you
make it or not.” Either way, tonight’s Falcons-Jaguars game
is the fi nal opportunity for players to “put
something on tape,” as the coaches say, to try
to earn a roster spot – either here with the
Jacksonville Jaguars, or with another NFL
team down the line.
Marrone said that he meets with each player
individually once the news comes down that
the team is going a different direction. Notable position battles
“It’s not very long,” Marrone said. “It’s a tough
meeting. I just appreciated whatever two or
three words the coach would say. I can pretty
much remember every one.
“A lot of times for me, it’s trying to have an
understanding or an appreciation of what they
have done. It’s just tough.”
Some players will continue their NFL careers,
either getting claimed off waivers by another
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Special teams – When in doubt – no matter the
position – look for those playing well on special
teams to get a nod over someone who is not
playing as well here. “The more you can do”
adage goes a long way toward making a roster
spot, as there could be limited game action at
your primary position. This is the way many
players must break into the league. Look for
great coverage plays on kickoffs/punts, good
blocking on a return, a fl ash with the ball in
their hands.