Atlanta Falcons: Coach Quinn Deserves Credit for Adjustments
The Safety Position Shored Up
Similarly to the linebacker situation, the Atlanta Falcons original replacement for pro bowl safety Keanu Neal Jordan Richards, did not fare well at all. Dan Quinn turned to journeyman Sharrod Neasman who was resigned off the street when the injury plague hit.
Neasman played a career high 40 snaps vs the New York Giants. He had four tackles in the game. According to Pro Football Focus he was only targeted one time in 28 coverage snaps. He gave up just one catch for 11 yards. The only drawback was he missed two tackles in the game.
Coming out of the bye week, Sharrod Neasman was rewarded with a new career high of 50 snaps against the Washington Redskins. He was good in run support making five tackles, including one stop for no gain.
Neasman also had a good game in coverage breaking up two passes. He was targeted just three times in coverage on the afternoon, allowing only two catches for 17 yards. He did miss two tackles once again. PFF still gave him a respectable grade of 69.8 for his efforts.
Sharrod has helped with defending running backs and tight ends tremendously, as Jordan Richards struggles in coverage. He has been a big part in the Falcons allowing only 17 points per game over their last two.
Speaking of Jordan Richards, his play has improved in a reduced role as well. Though not to the level of Duke Riley, Richards has posted his two best PFF grades of 64.7 and 65.0, in his new role-playing mostly on obvious running downs. He’s posted run defense grades of 68.7 and 73.7, missing zero tackle opportunities in the two wins.
Again I must give props to Dan Quinn. His willingness to adjust has proved vital to the resurgence of the Dirty Birds defense. He even used cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson at safety on some obvious passing downs. Quin and defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel even used seven defensive backs a few times last week.
All things considered, Dan Quinn has done a wonderful job adjusting his lineups and rotations, to mask the Atlanta Falcons deficiencies, due to the injured starters.