Gym class and tag football is over. The Falcons will do some real hitting when they face the Detroit Lions in the exhibition season opener at 6 p.m. Friday at Ford Field. Both teams are set to play their starters. The Falcons' defensive line will get a good test against Detroit's sturdy offensive line. Also, running back D'Andre Swift will challenge the defense. Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota is set to make his return to the NFL spotlight after toiling on the bench of the Raiders the past two seasons.
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