Atlanta Falcons: 5 Things Learned vs. Washington
By John Buhler
The LB Corps Has Superb Depth
I had my eye on the linebacker group today, as I was unsure how the unit would respond in OLB Justin Durant‘s absence. The newly acquire OLB did not play in Week 5 due to an elbow injury.
OLB Brooks Reed was making his second appearance this regular season after undergoing groin surgery in the preseason. I looked to MLB Paul Worrilow to anchor the unit and he did. The third year veteran out of Delaware lead the team with 8 tackles and 1 assist.
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Nate Stupar has looked great in his opportunities in the LB corps. He’s known for his tenacity on special teams, but he had that 80 yard scoop and score against Houston last week and had the only quarterback sack for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5. Stupar is looking like a sneaky good fit in the Falcons 4-3 Under scheme.
Players like O’Brien Schofield, Kroy Biermann, Allen Bradford, and Joplo Bartu are playing key reserve roles in this unit of the defense. While the secondary may have the most talent of any layer on the Falcons’ defense, I’m loving the unilateral improvement of the LB corps.
Outside of scheme and effort, I think the coaching duo of DC Richard Smith and LB Coach Jeff Ulbrich are bringing out the best in the second layer of the Atlanta Falcons’ defense. After last year, it’s odd for me to admit this, but the Falcons have some depth to their LB corps in 2015. I like watching this unit play on Sundays.
Next: Jacob Tamme Is a Reliable, Pass Catching TE