Real Hitters

Following up from my previous post about the Falcons' performance on offense in the first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, this post focuses more on the defense and the type of improvements both Dan Quinn and Falcons fans are expecting this season. As I stated in my very first post, the Dirty Birds had Tom Brady and that Patriots' offense shook in the first half of the Super Bowl. The pick six by Robert Alford, the Super Bowl tying record of 3 sacks by Grady Jarrett, and the excellent first half performance by the rest of the defense really opened a lot of people's eyes regarding Dan Quinn and what seems to be a new and improved Falcons' defense. With all of our defense returning this season, Quinn is looking to add even more fire to the rotation through the preseason. In the first game against the Dolphins, we saw some things from a few players that could possibly earn them a spot on the roster as long as they stay consistent. Rookie linebacker out of LSU, Duke Riley recorded 5 total tackles, 2 of them being solo tackles. Second year player out of the University of Minnesota, outside linebacker, De'Vondre Campbell is also trying to make his way into the rotation. Campbell was able to record 3 solo tackles, one of them being for a loss, and a spectacular interception in the first quarter. Jarnor Jones, a rookie out of Iowa State could be the guy that Dan Quinn chooses to add into the cornerback rotation since Jalen Collins is facing a 10 game suspension. Although Jones only recorded 1 tackle in the first preseason game, he also had 2 pass deflections and an amazing interception in the 4th quarter. We'll probably also be able to see some things from a few other rookies in the upcoming preseason games, including rookie linebacker out of UCLA, Tak McKinley, who did not play in the first game. It seems like this defense may very well be on it's way to being one of the best in the league and I think both fans and the Falcons themselves are extremely excited for what might happen in the 2017 season.