Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch vs. Saints on TNF

The Atlanta Falcons are taking pages out of the Seattle Seahawks defense in 2015 under first-year HC Dan Quinn. While Atlanta still needs another draft or two to become as vaunted as the Seattle Legion of Boom, the Falcons do have a shutdown corner in third-year pro Desmond Trufant.

Atlanta likes to put Trufant on one side of the field and makes the opposing offense adjust to Desmond’s great cover skills. Trufant is assuming the role that Richard Sherman plays in the Seattle secondary. Opponents are proceeding with caution when targeting Trufant’s side of the field.

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In the Falcons’ Week 2 victory over the New York Giants, QB Eli Manning didn’t attempt a pass in Trufant’s general direction. In Week 4’s blowout victory over the Houston Texans, Trufant had two fumble recoveries, including a scoop and score to make it 21-0 Falcons.

I feel that Desmond Trufant will be the beneficiary of the pass rush’s ability to affect Drew Brees’ timing and will be able to pick off a pass in a 3rd and long situation. Trufant’s interception will swing all momentum in Atlanta’s favor as they march down the field to take a two-score lead late in the game.

Next: The Feeling is Mutual