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

2017 Atlanta Falcons Week 10-13 Preview

Week 10 Vs. Dallas Cowboys (Nov. 12/ 4:25 p.m. ET FOX)

Many feel that January's NFC Championship should've been played in Dallas between the Cowboys and Falcons. Wide receiver Dez Bryant even tweeted that his Cowboys would have beaten Atlanta had the game taken place. He'll finally have his chance to prove if that's true come mid-November. 

Barring any major injuries to star players, this should be an exciting late-afternoon matchup. The Cowboys possess the best offensive line in the NFL, but they'll face a stiff challenge with Atlanta's front-seven. Furthermore, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot will have returned from his 6-game suspension to give Dallas a powerful rushing attack.

Dallas' young secondary facing Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Taylor Gabriel should concern Cowboys fans.

Week 11 @ Seattle Seahawks (Nov. 20/ 8:30 p.m. ET ESPN)

Falcons fans consider Atlanta's previous game in Seattle a "screw-job." The controversial no-call on Matt Ryan's deep pass to Julio Jones led to a 26-24 Seahawks victory. Three months later, Atlanta evened the score with a dominating 36-20 win in the playoffs. This Monday night collision will be the grudge match.

The offensive line serves as one of the few weaknesses on Seattle's roster. Defensive tackles Dontari Poe and Grady Jarrett have a chance to dominate the interior against inconsistent guards. Additonally, edge rushers Takk McKinley and Vic Beasley could each have multiple sacks on Russell Wilson.

Undoubtedly, Seattle's 12th man will play a huge factor in this game. Matt Ryan and co. will need to quiet the crowd and keep the pressure on an elite Seattle defense that just added defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.

Expect a passionate ball game between two talented football teams.

Week 12 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Nov. 26/ 1:00 p.m. ET FOX)

The Falcons haven't beaten the Buccaneers at home since 2014. Defeating Tampa Bay in week 12 will be no easier, because the Falcons will be coming off of a short week while the Bucs will be emerging from a bye week. 

WR Mike Evans was a thorn in the Falcons' side last season, averaging over 124 receiving yards against the Dirty Birds in two games. The addition of DeSean Jackson only makes things harder for the Atlanta secondary. CBs Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford will have their hands full. 

On the flip side, during his tenure as Falcons Head Coach, Mike Smith's defensive scheme allowed opposing tight ends to roam free in the secondary. Now that he's the defensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, Matt Ryan has taken advantage of his former coach. Ryan connected with both Levine Toilolo and Austin Hooper for touchdowns in Atlanta's last game vs Tampa. Hooper showed tremendous improvement during training camp and the preseason so look for a big performance in this contest. 

Week 13 vs Minnesota Vikings (Dec. 3/ 1:00 p.m. ET FOX)

Don't let the Falcons blowing a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl distract you from the fact that Minnesota blew a 5-0 start to the 2016 season. 

Jokes aside, the Vikings have the makings of the type of team capable of beating Atlanta even though they aren't better. Quarterback Sam Bradford is now comfortable with the offensive scheme and will have Latavius Murray and Dalvin Cook lining up behind him at running back. Also, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are better wide receivers than given credit for and they will aim to make a statement versus Trufant and Alford. 

On defense, Minnesota has an elite pass rusher in defensive end Everson Griffen. Defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson will add pressure from the interior. However, cornerback Xavier Rhodes is the player to watch, as he'll be tasked with defending Julio Jones.

David Schiele: @Deacon_Schiele