Atlanta Falcons Defense: Week 13 Grades Vs Baltimore
Deadrin Senat – Defensive Tackle
Rookie defensive tackle Deadrin Senat was deactivated due to a coaches decision in week 12 against New Orleans. Dan Quinn deactivated Senat because he felt he needed more pass rushers and wanted fullback Ricky Ortiz active for the game.
Deadrin Senat expressed his disappointment to Jason Butt, Atlanta Falcons beat writer for The Athletic. Jason conveyed Senat’s thoughts to the public via this tweet:
Deadrin Senat was asked about being inactive in last Thursday’s game against the Saints. It marked the only time he has been inactive in a game this year. His response: pic.twitter.com/4YYXLDG6Jw
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) November 26, 2018
Deadrin Senat was active against the Baltimore Ravens and responded with arguably the best game of his young career. In only 20 snaps he had four tackles, tied for his second most this season. Two of those tackles were stops. Senat did not miss a tackle in the game.
Deadrin Senat also forced a fumble against the Ravens in week 13. PFF gave Deadrin a run defense grade of 72.7.
Deadrin Senat’s overall grade for week 13 was the best of his career so far. In fact Senat has graded much better than his teammate Terrell McClain this season. However McClain has played 92 more snaps than Senat. That’s something that Dan Quinn needs to change for the remainder of the season.
Pro Football Focus Grade: 79.1
ATL All Day Grade: B
Sharrod Neasman – Strong Safety
Injures to safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen, as well as the ineptitude of safety Jordan Richards, has forced undrafted Sharrod Neasman to go from practice squad player, to starter for the Atlanta Falcons.
Week 13 saw Neasman have his best game as a starter. He played 47 snaps and had six tackles, tied for fourth on the squad. Two of the six tackles counted as stops, and Neasman did not miss any tackles.
Neasman was targeted six times in coverage, yet he allowed only three receptions for 22 yards. Baltimore quarterbacks had a miniscule quarterback rating of 59.0 when targeting the man Sharrod Neasman was defending. The only real drawback on the stat sheet, is the penalty Neasman was flagged for.
It’s worth watching to see if the young Sharrod Neasman can build on his best game and string together a second consecutive good performance.