Falcons try to return to normal

ATLANTA -- More than two hours before kickoff of the Bengals-Falcons preseason game, the scene in the Georgia Dome is relatively typical of NFL pregame. A large group of U.S. troops is preparing to handle the 40-yard-long Falcons flag that will be displayed on the field.

There were no pro- and anti-Michael Vick demonstrations outside the stadium. There is no sign anywhere of Michael Vick, who personally pled guilty to federal dog-fighting conspiracy charges in person in a Virginia courtroom today.

The Falcons handed out their magnetic schedules. They feature tight end Alge Crumpler and cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Tackle Wayne Gandy is on the cover of the game program.

Joey Harrington will start at quarterback for the Falcons, and Chris Redman is the No. 2 QB. Former Bengals draft pick Casey Bramlet, released earlier in training camp by the Redskins, is the third quarterback.

Former Bengals backup Ben Wilkerson is Atlanta's third-string center. Linebacker Marcus Wilkins, a former Bengals special teams star who signed with the Falcons in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, runs as the No. 2 strong-side linebacker.

Hue Jackson, former Bengals wide receivers coach, is in his first season as Atlanta offensive coordinator under head coach Bobby Petrino. Jackson visited on the field with Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes.