Atlanta Falcons: DT Grady Jarrett sets lofty goals

After a great performance during Super Bowl 51, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett wants to become a dominant player for the young defense

It was a performance to remember out of a local kid who grew up with Atlanta Falcons football in his blood. Defensive tackle Grady Jarret tied a Super Bowl record with three sacks of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and the third-year pro believes that performance will only kickstart a “dominant” stretch in his career.

"“That was definitely a highlight of my career as far as the way I played,” Jarrett said per Charles Odum of the Associated Press. “I feel like the effort I gave on that day was because I wanted that win so badly. It just makes me want even more for this team and this city.”"

Jarrett also said he badly wanted to win a title for the Falcons because of how much the team means to him. The 305-pound defensive lineman grew up in nearby Conyers, and rooted for the local team in large part because his father was a linebacker for them.

Jessie Tuggle is the all-time Falcons tackling leader and had another son in the pros recently as Justin Tuggle had stints at linebacker with the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns.

As for Jarrett, he seems to have carved a much better role in the league for himself as he looks to be a fixture in this Dirty Bird defensive line for years to come. As a rookie he registered 24 tackles and one sack in 15 games with just two starts. The former Clemson Tiger played in all 16 games this past season — starting 14 — and had 48 tackles with three sacks.

Must Read: Roddy White: Future General Manager?

With other stars around him, Jarrett could find offensive lines forgetting about him as they aim to stop defensive end Takkarist McKinely, edge rusher Vic Beasley and nose tackle Dontari Poe. The pieces are in place for Jarrett to reach his high aspirations.