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Atlanta Falcons Welcome Ron Parker to the Squad

By Charles Smith

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Tyson Clabo #77 of the Atlanta Falcons runs onto the field during player introductions against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Tyson Clabo #77 of the Atlanta Falcons runs onto the field during player introductions against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The latest Falcons news this past Monday night centered around Ron Parker’s acquisition.

While most betting sites are firmly focused on the 2018 World Cup, Atlanta sites can’t help but wonder how the Atlanta Falcons will fare in the 2018 season. With Pro Bowlers on both sides of the ball, there’s no question that the Falcons bring one of the most talented teams to the table. Coming off a year in which they failed to live up to the hype, the Falcons are vying to get back to Super Bowl form. And to help them get there, it seems the franchise has brought on a veteran free safety.

The latest Falcons news this past Monday night centered around Ron Parker’s acquisition. Parker signed a one-season contract with Atlanta and will be joining a defense that ranked 12th against the pass last season. At the age of 30, Parker might not have the vigor he once had but his ample experience should come in handy throughout the season. Testament to this is his performance last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he had to step in for an injured Eric Berry.

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Berry tore the old Achilles tendon in 2017’s opening week. The loss was reflected in Kansas City’s numbers, as they ended up ranking 29th against the pass. Through 15 games, Parker’s contribution amounted to 58 tackles, 4 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions. Those numbers aren’t quite bad. However, will it be enough to beat out Damontae Kazee in the depth chart?

Kazee played all season long, but he only started in one game. Albeit, one start was all he needed as 9 tackles and a forced fumble is pretty eye-catching. In the end, Kazee finished with 23 tackles on the season and 2 forced fumbles. While those numbers are quite impressive for a rookie, Kazee didn’t record any pass deflections, and he didn’t record any interceptions either. Not only that, Kazee only got to start when Ricardo Allen went down with concussion protocol. That means he only got to see play during the Nickel package. Ricardo Allen, on the other hand, would go on to record 54 tackles, 1 interception, and 4 pass deflections. Clearly, Allen isn’t going to get beaten out for the starting spot anytime soon. However, Parker’s addition could still come in handy in the long run.

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Ultimately Parker isn’t going to come in and beat out Allen right away. And Kazee shows too much promise to be undervalued over an aging vet. However, at the end of the day, Parker will help bolster a defense. The Falcons secondary delivered some decent numbers last season. If they can stay healthy, and develop the talent they already have, those numbers should be on the rise in 2018. If there happens to be an injury, Parker can come in and fill practically any role. His experience in the league guarantees that. At the same time, Parker should prove to be an invaluable ear for Kazee to turn to.

At the end of the day, Defense wins championships. All the Falcons are trying to do is make sure theirs is a little more secure.

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