Atlanta Falcons: All-Time Team
By John Buhler
November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; An Atlanta Falcons helmet prior to kickoff of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Free Safety: Scott Case (1984-94)
The Atlanta Falcons drafted defensive back Scott Case in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft out of the University of Oklahoma. Case earned a reputation as the best safety to play for the Atlanta Falcons.
Case was both a hard hitter and had great ball skills. He still owns the franchise record for most interceptions in a season with 10 in 1988. That was also the only season he made a Pro Bowl in 12-year NFL career.
He spent most of his time between right cornerback and free safety. Since the value of the safety position didn’t really take off until after his playing days, Scott Case is often forgotten as one of the best defensive backs to wear an Atlanta Falcons uniform.
What other player could have 10 interceptions one year (1988) and two years later have 170 tackles and 3.0 sacks, from a defensive back position? That is a testament to Scott Case’s versatility in the Atlanta secondary. I would start him at free safety, as I think in this day of the NFL, he would be able to not only hit with conviction, but stand as a nightmare for quarterbacks should they sail a pass between the hash marks.
Next: Strong Safety