Atlanta Falcons: Ten Standout Players Versus Miami

Damontae Kazee • Cornerback

We got our first preview of Damontae Kazee playing the cornerback position as a starter, in the Atlanta Falcons second preseason game. He played very well transitioning into his new role.

Kazee played 24 snaps overall and 20 in coverage. He covered so well that he was only targeted once. Damontae held the receiver to just three yards on the lone catch that he allowed.

Kazee had two total tackles to add to his resume for the contest. PFF gave him a grade of 75.6. This placed him third among Atlanta Falcons defenders, who played ten or more snaps. Damontae Kazee successfully transitioning into the nickel back spot, could be the piece that puts the team’s defense back on the map.

Player of the Game

Jermaine Grace • Linebacker

Jermaine Grace is our player of the game, for his stellar performance in the Atlanta Falcons week two loss. Grace was originally signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

Jermaine was a member of the Falcons for part of the 2017 season. He was eventually released and has bounced around from Indianapolis, to Cleveland and Seattle. He is now attempting to make the Atlanta Falcons roster again, and this time he hopes to stay.

Grace was all over the field against the Miami Dolphins. He racked up a five tackles, second most on the club. One of those tackles counted as a stop.

Where Jermaine really thrived, was in coverage. He was targeted three times and allowed zero catches. Furthermore he defended and pass and created a turnover with his interception of Dolphins quarterback Josh Rosen.

Grace was awarded with a phenomenal coverage grade of 90.8, out of a possible 99.9 by Pro Football Focus. Overall he received a grade of 84.1. That was first among Atlanta Falcons defenders, who played 10 or more snaps.

After the game Grace said that he wanted to leave no doubt for the coaches, on rather he deserves to make the 53 man roster. A couple of more performances like the one against Miami and the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff will have no choice but to keep him around.

Honorable Mention

Kenjon Barner

Kenjon Barner a seventh year NFL running back and kick returner, showed his explosiveness. He lined up at wide receiver and took a screen pass 37 yards. He nearly took the play to the house, before being tackled at the one yard line.

Qadree Ollison

Qadree Ollison the rookie fifth round draft pick out of Pittsburgh ran the ball well. He tied for a team high eight carries and gained a game high 41 yards. He also scored on a 15 yard touchdown run.

Ollison still needs work in the passing game however. Pass blocking and improvement as a receiver, will dictate how much paying time he receives as a rookie.

Despite the loss, these players proved to be a silver lining for the Atlanta Falcons and are all players to keep an eye on moving forward. Hopefully we will be discussing their progress in an Atlanta Falcons win, against the New York Jets in Atlanta on Thursday.

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