Atlanta Falcons: Week Nine Grades Vs Washington

Foye Oluokun – Linebacker

For the second week in a row, rookie hasFoyesade Oluokunstepped up big time for the Atlanta Falcons defense. I previously noted, giving an increased workload to Oluokun was one theseason changing adjustmentsDan Quinn made.

Foye Oluokun was second in tackles on the Falcons in week nine. He made six tackles and had one for a loss. He had four tackles to stop the Redskins to a gain of three yards or less. He also had a quarterback hurry and hit in the game on a blitz. The two miss tackles he had were his place for improvement in this matchup.

Coverage wiseFoyesade Oluokunwas targeted six times. He gave up four catches for only 29 yards. Other than one 17 yard reception allowed to tight endVernon Davis, Foye was very stingy in coverage. His increased playing time has certainly helped shore up the Atlanta Falcons coverage against running backs.

PFF Grade: 73.0

ATL ALL Day Grade: B-

Duke Riley – Linebacker

We have chronicled the trial and error of second year linebackerDuke Rileyall eason long. His play has been so erratic that he has lost almost half of his snaps to rookieFoyesade Oluokun.

A funny thing has happened though. With a lower quantity of snaps,Duke Rileyhas produced a higher quality of play. For the second straight game, Riley has turned in a stellar performance.

In 22 snapsDuke Rileyhad four tackles. Two of his tackles held the skins to a gain of three yards or less. He also combined withGrady Jarretton a tackle for a loss. He didn’t miss a tackle, which has been a major deficiency in his game.

In 15 coverage snapsDuke Rileywas targeted just twice, allowing one catch for nine yards. Pro Football Focus especially applaudedRileyfor his coverage and tackling. He received a tackling grade of 83.3 and a coverage grade of 78.8. It will be interesting to see how many snaps Duke receives, once pro-bowlerDeion Jonesreturns.

Pro Football Focus Grade: 82.7

ATL All Day Grade: B+

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