Yates strong at QB for Falcons in 24-14 exhibition victory

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Demetrius McCray (35) and defensive back Sherrod Martin break up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) during the first quarter of Thursday's preseason game in Jacksonville, Fla. - photo by John Raoux

0829Falcons1 — Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Demetrius McCray (35) and defensive back Sherrod Martin break up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) during the first quarter of Thursday's preseason game in Jacksonville, Fla. - photo by John Raoux

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith is waiting to select a backup quarterback.Watching a replay of the preseason finale at Jacksonville might make his decision an easy one. T.J. Yates made a strong case to be Matt Ryan's backup Thursday night, throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-14 win over the Jaguars. Yates had shown little in the team's first three exhibitions, completing 39.4 percent of his passes, with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

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