The Atlanta Falcons Defense is showing flashes of promise

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Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Deion Jones (45) runs back an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Falcons defeated the Saints 45-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Young Talent

Our defense is fairly young. When players like Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant are considered the veterans of the secondary during their fourth NFL season, your defense is significantly young, but with youth comes promise. While typical rookie mistakes deriving solely from lack of experience can be excruciating to watch, the upside and athleticism that exudes with young talent is rather enticing and exciting to see.

Let’s start with our defensive line. Vic Beasley, under his second season, is finally undoubtedly showing why he was our 2015 first-round pick. He is wreaking havoc on opposing offensive tackles with both exceptional technique, athleticism, and power all combining to yield an NFC leading 7.5 sacks. Rookie Keanu Neal is hammering opponents like no one’s business invigorating fear into opposing receivers. This hard-hitting strong safety can cover and tackles with ferocity which will only improve with time.

Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass defended by Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell are two outside linebackers with worlds of talent and athleticism and their physicality and sure-tackling is substantially paying dividends for the defense as it embodies the character in which Quinn desires the team as a whole to play with. Not to mention the legitimacy of Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford who with their speed and quickness, can match up against mostly anyone. This defense is stacked with talented.

All of these players have significantly bright futures and the potential to become defensive stars any day now. Their ceilings are high and this should make fans excited for what is ahead. They are proving each and every week that the Falcon’s have significant talent on defense and with their consistent intensity and play, they are turning the heads of many skeptics.

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