Atlanta Falcons vs Miami Dolphins: Three Biggest Takeaways

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Deion Jones #45 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts to a play in the first quarter during Super Bowl 51 against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Deion Jones #45 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts to a play in the first quarter during Super Bowl 51 against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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First-Team Defense Is Ready For The Regular Season 

Maybe the most obvious choice from last night’s game may have been the energy and dominance that the Falcons first-team displayed led by linebacker Deion Jones.

Besides cornerback Desmond Trufant being pulled out after an unknown shoulder injury and Sherrod Neasman taking place for starting safety Keanu Neal, the Falcons proved early that the defense would set the tempo of the game with sighting of new players in the lineup like Duke Riley and Dontari Poe who both seemed to thrive off their new teammates.

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Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell flashed his coverage ability with an interception off coverage in the first quarter. Rookie linebacker Duke Riley showed his closing speed with three nice checkdown stops.

Defensive end Brooks Reed got an extended amount of playing time and showed improvement from last season with three quarterback pressures coming off the edge. In one instance, Reed was credited with a QB hit with a signature Dwight Freeney spin-move. Good to see Reed showcasing his talents to make the team.