Kevin Cone rebounds with a 49-yard touchdown

After catching a pass, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Kevin Cone (12) breaks away from Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Antwon Blake (38) on his way to a 49-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)

JACKSONVILLE – Falcons wide receiver Kevin Cone, who played at Georgia Tech, had a key dropped pass on third down that killed a promising drive.

Quarterback Dominique Davis had driven the Falcons from their 1-yard line to the 48. On third-and-10, Cone dropped a pass that would have picked up the first down.

Cone atoned for the miscue with a 49-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

“It was unreal,” Cone said. “I definitely wanted to make up for the drop that I had earlier. Dom threw a great pass and I was just able to make a play out there.”

Falcons coach Mike Smith was impressed the Cone didn’t go into the tank after the dropped pass.

“Kevin had an opportunity to make a couple of more plays,” Smith said. “That was a big play on the touchdown and you could see his acceleration. It was good to see a young guy have some success catching the ball and splitting the defense.”

Cone’s football trek started out at Shorter College after playing in high school at St. Pius X. The Falcons liked his combination of size and speed and signed him as a undrafted rookie last season.

He’s in a fierce battle for one of the last wide receiver roster spots.

“I felt amazing,” Cone said. “You practice hard every day. You want it to show out there on the game field and it felt good to finally get into the end zone.”

Cone still has some practice squad eligibility, but wants to make the final 53-man roster.

“I think it would just be a blessing,” Cone said. “If I do make the team I just want to be a part of it. Contribute and help the team out. Just help us win.”

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