Falcons coach Mike Smith says mistakes will be corrected before season opener at New Orleans

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Falcons coach Mike Smith says problems with the offensive line and secondary will be corrected before Atlanta opens the season at New Orleans in 13 days.

It's unlikely that offensive stars such as quarterback Matt Ryan, tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Steven Jackson will be on the field when the Falcons host Jacksonville in the preseason finale on Thursday.

Smith will follow his customary protocol for a preseason finale with the first-team offensive line and entire defense starting the game, but neither side is likely to play many snaps.

Smith believes there's enough time to fix mistakes in pass protection and in pass coverage before the Saints game plan is installed next week.

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