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Atlanta Falcons: Top Five Players Who Must Be Better in 2018

By Kit Anderson

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 10: Duke Riley #42 of the Atlanta Falcons awaits the snap against the Chicago Bears during the season opening game at Soldier Field on September 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Falcons defeated the Bears 23-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 10: Duke Riley #42 of the Atlanta Falcons awaits the snap against the Chicago Bears during the season opening game at Soldier Field on September 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Falcons defeated the Bears 23-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a sack during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 3, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a sack during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 3, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. How Much Better Can Takkarist McKinley be In Year Two?  

Takkarist McKinley was one of my favorite players to watch last season. Sure, he only finished the year with 6.0 sacks but that doesn’t fully tell the impact that he had.

Takk plays with a borderline unhinged approach that is fun to watch. Every snap he was giving effort and wrestling to make it to the quarterback.

He makes the list because I believe the best is still ahead for Takk. He has the raw talent to be a great pass rusher. His technique needed work but with a Head Coach who is a defensive specialist, he will put in the work to improve.

McKinley forced two fumbles as well in his rookie season a number that will go up in 2018. The Falcons will be counting on him even more after losing Adrian Clayborn. Both Takk and the aforementioned Beasley Jr. will be the deciding factor in how effective the Falcon’s can pass rush.

Rushing the passer is semi-important in a quarterback-dominated League. All eyes will be on both young linemen to set the tone early in 2018.

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