By: Ricardo Russ (@1788sports, @ricardolruss)
Playing fast and physical are the key tenets of Dan Quinn’s system, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the linebacking corps. All 3 starting ‘backers combine elite speed (De’Vondre Campbell, Deion Jones, and Vic Beasley all ran in the 4.5’s at the combine) with a willingness to hit. The linebackers also played a key role in forcing turnovers and making big plays, as Vic Beasley was the NFL sack leader with 15.5 sacks and and forced 6 fumbles, while Deion Jones had 3 interceptions and and 2 pick-sixes, including the final points in the Falcons’ defeat of the Saints in the Superdome.
Furthermore, I believe that the Falcons’ linebacking corps will only become more effective in the 2017 season as they will be able to play even faster with better knowledge of NFL schemes as both Jones and Campbell were rookies last year, and Vic Beasley was only a second year player. In addition, The Ringer’s Robert Mays explains that the linebacking corps has been built to withstand the challenges of the modern pass-happy NFL with the speed and quickness of Jones and the size and speed of Campbell, and they will only be more effective as they gain more experience.
During the offseason, the Falcons’ also acquired new LB talent, including Deion Jones’ former LSU teammate, Duke Riley, and undrafted rookie from the University of Miami and training camp standout Jermaine Grace. Grace also deserves mention for his special teams skills and hitting ability, and he will certainly help improve our special teams play, if nothing else this season.
Depth Chart:
Strongside Linebacker (Sam)*
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Middle Linebacker (Mike)
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Weakside Linebacker (Will
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Vic Beasley
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Deion Jones
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De’Vondre Campbell
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LaRoy Reynolds
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Duke Riley
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Jermaine Grace
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Kemal Ishmael
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Breakout Linebacker of the Season: Deion Jones
In 2016, Deion Jones was a revelation in the heart of the Falcons’ defense. He led all rookies with 108 tackles and finished with 14 pass defenses, second most in the NFL among linebackers in 2016. As mentioned above, Jones also had a knack for making big plays, as he had 3 interceptions and 2 pick-sixes in the regular season, and he also had a tip drill interception against Seahawks and helped force a LeGarrette Blount fumble in the first half of Super Bowl LI. Amazingly, Jones was able to make all of these plays while also being responsible for calling and communicating signals as a rookie. However, Jones did initially have some issues with run fits and play calling duties, as Tim Rohan explains. Jones was able to clear up some of these issues before the postseason, and it is likely that he will be able to be even more impactful on the defense with a full year and offseason under his belt.
Final Outlook:
In 2017, I am confident in saying that the Falcons’ young LB corps will continue to grow and improve, and will be at the heart of the Falcons’ defensive gameplans. Barring major regression, I feel that they will continue to make big plays that end drives and give the ball back to the offense, and that their continued growth will be at the heart of the Falcons’ defensive rejuvenation.
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