3 Reasons for the Atlanta Falcons to be optimistic this season

2.  A.J Terrell

Terrell made a huge jump forward in his second season in 2021. Allowing just 29 catches for 200 yards last season, he received the highest coverage grade of any CB in the league and established himself as a shutdown corner. All of this production happened despite the team having talent in the secondary. The defense was consistently on the field and Terrell could have easily gotten frustrated with the lack of help around him. Instead, he continued to do his job enjoying a breakout season and establishing himself as one of the best corners in the league.

Atlanta went a long way in fixing their problems in the secondary by adding Casey Hayward this offseason. Hayward is a well-established veteran who should help shut down the other side of the field and give the Atlanta Falcons defense a chance to take a huge step forward.

Hayward will also offer the benefit of his vast experience to the younger corner. Hayward is a player the rest of Atlanta’s secondary can lean on and learn from as the team turns the page to the next generation.

Also of note is the fact the Atlanta Falcons added multiple pass rushers who will hopefully lighten Terrell’s workload, allowing him to be even more dominant for even longer periods of a game.