Take a Moment and Appreciate the Underrated Falcons Secondary

Up until the Dan Quinn era, the Falcons secondary has been subpar at best. That statement may not apply throughout all of franchise history, but at least in the past decade and a half.

But now? Atlanta has the most underrated secondary in the NFL. Maybe the secondary is underrated because their talent is relatively new, but still, this secondary is a squad of playmakers.

The talent of cornerbacks Brian Poole, Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, as well as safeties Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal should scare any receiving corps in the NFL. The drafting of corner Damontae Kazee makes them that more intimidating.

Brian Poole went undrafted in 2016 and only allowed 0.80 yards per cover snap, which was the lowest among rookie corners all last season.

Keanu Neal was the highest graded safety in 2016 by Pro Football Focus. He’s definitely earned the title of “enforcer” on Atlanta’s defense.

Desmond Trufant will certainly be eager to make plays this season. After missing the second half of the 2016 season due to an injury, you can imagine that Trufant will return to his top-ten cornerback self. Expect Trufant to have a phenomenal 2017 season. You watch.

Robert Alford certainly has the speed, intensity, and playmaking ability to contribute to this secondary core. If he could stick to his gut and not commit pass interference penalties, he could easily be a top cornerback as well. Alford seems to panic last minute in coverage. He almost always has his man beat and can easily come up with a deflection. Look for a big year out of Alford, who recorded one of the longest interception returns in Super Bowl history.

Ricardo Allen does not get near as much credit as he should. According to Pro Football Focus, Allen spent 710 snaps in coverage giving up just 0.18 receptions per snap.

My bold prediction: Damontae Kazee plays out of his mind and ends up becoming a starter. I love this guy, and he has looked great during training camp so far.

Long story short, the Falcons secondary deserves more credit. Maybe they do not get as much because of Atlanta’s secondary history. All I know is, this secondary is a force not to be reckoned with.

Hunter Hamberlain: @Chips_Ahoy94