Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch Vs. Dallas

Ricardo Allen has effectively transitioned from 4th cornerback to starting free safety on the Atlanta Falcons. HC Dan Quinn and his staff recognized Allen’s obvious talent and ball skills and put him in a better position to succeed in the NFL. He wasn’t going to take either starting job of Desmond Trufant or Robert Alford on the outside.

Allen has beat all odds to become the Atlanta Falcons’ starting free safety. I’ll give a ton of credit to his work ethic and student mentality for his ability to change positions so seamlessly. It does help that he has two terrific minds helping him out in the secondary in Assistant HC Raheem Morris and DB Coach Marquand Manuel.

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While Allen made the game-winning play on Monday Night Football in Week 1, picking off Philadelphia QB Sam Bradford to seal the deal, he did make a bad read on a route against the New York Giants in Week 2 that ultimately led to a 67-yard touchdown reception for WR Odell Beckham, Jr.

Will Ricardo Allen make a big play in the secondary like he did in Week 1 or will he let the other team have a big play because of his inexperience at the position like he did in Week 2? Dallas is without premier vertical threat Dez Bryant, but don’t think for a second that new starting QB Brandon Weeden won’t attempt to air it out to WR Terrance Williams on the outside in Week 3 versus the Atlanta Falcons.

Next: Does He Thrive Against his Former Team?