Defensive Player of the Game aka The Dirtiest Bird
Damontae Kazee – Free Safety
Every timeDamontae Kazeetakes the field for the Atlanta Falcons Defense, it seems as though we are witnessing the birth of a star. His ascension continued in week nine against Washington.
Damontae Kazeeintercepted Redskins quarterbackAlex Smithwith about seven minutes left in the 3rd quarter. The pick tied Kazee for the NFL lead at four.
Even though the play of the former 5th round pick may be surprising to many, the interceptions fit his profile as ball hawk. He intercepted 17 passes in college, and 15 in his last two seasons. He has a great chance to finish this season as the NFL interception leader, in fact I predict he will do just that.
Damontae Kazeehas now taken on a leadership role for the Atlanta Falcons. He has been given the head set with microphone, so that he can hear the play calls from defensive coordinatorMarquand Manuel. He’s been very helpful at ensuring his teammates are lined up in the correct position.
Dan Quinn will have a decision to make next season, when safetyRicardo Allenreturns from injury.Damontae Kazeeis too good to be benched and his ball hawking is needed in the middle of the field.Pro Football Focuscurrently has him ranked as the seventh best safety in the NFL.
Having a ball hawking free safety makes this defense elite, as it uses a single high safety on the majority of its plays. I believeRicardo Allenshould be moved back to cornerback next season, and be given the chance to compete as the starting nickel back.
Kazee had five tackles against Washington, tying him for third on the squad. He didn’t miss a tackle in the game. He also had a pass breakup.
PFF Grade: 78.8
ATL ALL Day Grade: B+
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