Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch Vs. Dolphins
By John Buhler
Ra'Shede Hageman. 77. player. 44. . DE. Minnesota
If there’s one thing to keep an eye on the defensive side of the ball, it is the return of Defensive Lineman Ra’Shede Hageman. Ra’Shede missed the away game against the New York Jets due to experiencing concussion-like symptoms leading up to the affair at MetLife Stadium.
Now that Hageman cleared the 7-day concussion protocol, expect him to get back to work improving as a dynamic pass rusher for Defensive Line Coach Bryan Cox. Cox was extremely hard on Ra’Shede last year as a rookie out of Minnesota. HBO’s Hard Knocks certainly captured the friction between player and coach last season.
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However, Ra’Shede has come back in great shape like so many of his fellow defensive linemen, ready to pounce the second the center snaps the ball. I feel that Ra’Shede Hageman will absolutely thrive in Dan Quinn’s 4-3 Base Defense. He has both the size and the quickness to play either the 3 or 5-Technique as a down lineman in this defensive system.
In the first two preseason games we’ve seen so many front seven players have great ball games including Jonathan Babineaux, Adrian Clayborn, Justin Durant, Tyson Jackson, Stansly Maponga, Paul Soliai, and Paul Worrilow. Since Ra’Shede did not get his opportunity against the Jets in Preseason Week 2 because of the concussion protocol, I’m hoping that he and rookie OLB Vic Beasley have strong showings against the Dolphins tomorrow night.
Next: Last Chance For This Lineman?