Atlanta Falcons Grades: Week Six Player Grades Versus Tampa
Defensive Players Who Played Well
Jack Crawford – Defensive Tackle Grade: B+
It’s not easy to find defensive players that played well when you give up over 500 total yards. Particularly when the defense is a banged up patchwork unit. However Jack Crawford had one of his best games since signing with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jack Crawford was a disruptive interior force against Tampa. He had one of the teams two sacks. In addition, Crawford had an additional quarterback hit, a tackle for a loss, and another stop for no gain.
Jack was the Falcons highest graded defender by PFF with a 79.3. The only negative is, he could have had a much bigger day, had he not missed three tackles. Despite the missed tackles, he gets a B+ for providing some much-needed pressure.
Deadrin Senat – Defensive Tackle Grade B-
Deadrin Senat, the Atlanta Falcons’ third round draft pick, has exceeded expectations. The encouraging thing, is he seems to be improving weekly. Senat is strong at the point of attack, particularly against the run.
Against Tampa Deadrin Senat actually had his best grade as a pass rush grade of 71.5. He graded 71.2 overall by Pro Football Focus. That was good enough to get the rookie a B- for the week.
Brooks Reed – Edge Defender Grade: C+
Brooks Reed was his normal solid self, setting the edge in the run game. Reed added a bonus against the Buccs, recording a rare sack. He also added a hurry in route to a 67 Pro Football Focus grade. He gets a C+ from ATL All Day.
Damontae Kazee – Safety Grade: C
Damontae Kazee has been the best of the players starting due to injuries by far. He has continued his good play from the preseason. Kazee had an up and down game against Tampa, but more up than down.
On one hand Damontae Kazee had five tackles and a pass breakup. On the other had he missed three tackles. The great thing is he produced one of the Atlanta Falcons’ three interceptions. The pick was Kazee’s third of the season tying him for the NFL lead. He gets a C grade for his up and down day.
Honorable Mention: Bruce Carter – Linebacker
Bruce Carter was signed as a free agent a couple of weeks ago. In this his second game he saw his snaps increase to 12. The former North Carolina standout played well in limited snaps. His PFF grade of 82.2 would have led the defense, if he had enough snaps to qualify.
Carter graded a solid 78.6 in coverage, which has. been an issue for the Dirty Birds. Coach Dan Quinn would be wise to add to Bruce’s workload moving forward. Coach showed this past game that he is adjusting the linebacker rotation, as snaps were distributed differently than normal.
Rookie Foyesade Oluokun played a career high 40 snaps against Tampa. The struggling Duke Riley saw his snap count reduced to 28.