Keanu Neal changes the dynamic of the Atlanta Falcons secondary

Keanu Neal is on a mission heading into the 2020 season for the Atlanta Falcons.

The key for both the Atlanta Falcons as well as Keanu Neal remaining healthy and being able to play at the same level he was prior to two consecutive season-ending injuries. Recent video footage of the fifth year Atlant Falcons safety has surfaced of him working out after nine months since tearing his Achilles Tendon in Week 3 of 2019 and ending his season.

Neal should already be fully healed from his torn ACL he suffered in week one of the 2018 season. These days with all of the modern advancement, technology, and rehab, torn ACLs are easier to make a full recovery from than a torn Achilles Tendon.

When healthy, the 24-year-old strong safety is no doubt the leader of the Falcons secondary and one of the hardest hitting, if not the hardest-hitting safety in the league.

Keanu Neal seems to be in the best shape of his life mentally and physically

Neal recently stated that he feels great and like his old self again, after having a tough past couple of years due to devastating injuries. Feeling very good mentally and physically, Neal remains a very positive person. The time off has given him perspective and a chance to spend more time with his wife and family.

After watching the recent footage of his work out, Neal looks very good. His hip turns are on point and there seems to be no stiffness or trepidation. Prior to his first major injury in the season opener in 2018, he was a menacing figure on the field in the Falcons secondary. He creates many problems for opposing offenses.

Defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris, definitely has a very good chess piece on defense with Neal if he can stay healthy. He changes the look and feel of the entire secondary when on the field. In his first two NFL seasons, Neal was off to a huge start for the Falcons. He totaled 218 combined tackles with eight forced fumbles and one interception.

He has only played in four games over the last two seasons. There will be added pressure on him to stay on the field in 2020 and remain healthy.

It’s no secret that a healthy Keanu Neal for an entire season would be a huge boost and shot in the arm for the Atlanta Falcons defense, as the unit feeds off his energy and enthusiasm. A lot is riding on his future with the team as he enters a contract year.

It will be very exciting and a sight for sore eyes to see Neal layout opposing players with his hard-hitting and tackling, force fumbles, and just make plays in general again. His leadership and football IQ have been sorely missed by the Falcons defense.