Atlanta Falcons: Three most surprising players so far this season

Damiere Byrd – WR

Damiere is a pretty new revelation for the Atlanta Falcons and it has been clear that they need to continue to get him touches as his speed has come in clutch.

Initially, to start the season it looked as though the other veteran receiver, KhaDarel Hodge, would be the one to make this list but following a dropped screen pass at a critical time against Tampa Bay, he hasn’t been given an opportunity.

Damiere Byrd, meanwhile, has been making big plays down the field for Marcus Mariota. He originally made his name known back against the Browns when he was targeted downfield on what should have been a pass interference call against the defense but the pass ended up incomplete with no flag.

It took until right before halftime against the Bengals for him to have his first catch with the Falcons when he caught a 75-yard touchdown.

Then against the Panthers, he caught what looked to be a solid gain but then he outran everyone en route for another touchdown. He later was targeted deep down the field with less than 10 seconds left in the game on what should have been pass interference to set Younghoe Koo up for a game-winner but it was another missed flag.

He has just shown the ability to take the top off the defense or be able to turn a solid gain into a big play for a TD, expect him to get even more opportunities in the future.