Defensive standout performance: Zach Harrison. The defensive lineman was one of the few suited-up players who we also expect to see a great deal of on Sundays, so his performance was a true positive for Atlanta. Harrison was disruptive at the line of scrimmage; he had a smooth swim move to beat Dallas' left guard and make a stop 4 yards in the backfield. The third-year pro has been impressive all preseason and is in good form heading into Week 1.
Offensive standout performance: Chris Blair. Unlike Harrison, Blair is a player on the bubble with roster cuts looming. He did his best to make a final case for inclusion on the 53-man roster, though. Blair was a favorite target of Stick and caught six of the nine passes thrown his way for 65 yards. On the Falcons' opening drive, he sprinted past the defense and looked open for a potential touchdown, but Stick found another wide receiver, Nick Nash, for a 24-yard gain instead.
Special teams standout performance: There weren't many special teams highlights for Atlanta, but Josh Woods delivered one. In the second quarter, he flew down the right sideline on punt coverage and walloped Cowboys receiver Jalen Cropper deep in Dallas territory. Woods was a special teams standout for the Falcons last year, and he continues to make big plays in the third phase of the game.