Falcons ready to depend on new defensive starters
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Minus two Pro Bowl defensive players, the new starters on the Falcons defense know they might be tested on Sunday by the Carolina Panthers. That includes Duke Riley, who takes over at inside linebacker for Deion Jones after Jones went on injured reserve with a foot injury.
"I mean, I hope so!" said linebacker Duke Riley of the chance Carolina tries to challenge him on Sunday. "I want them to come after me. Please! I'm ready for whatever."
The defensive backfield will have a new look as well. Returning starter Keanu Neal is out for the season after tearing his ACL, meaning second-year player Damontae Kazee steps in.
"Nothing changes," said safety Damontae Kazee. "Just have to go out there and execute. That's all."
Atlanta's defense expected big things in 2018 after taking a major leap forward last year. Neal, Jones and several other young returning players were part of that core, which will look different for a while: Jones is eligible to return after 8 weeks, and head coach Dan Quinn says the team expects Jones to play again this season at some point.
As for those backups, their teammates have confidence.
"I mean, they're ready," said Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. "They both have been making plays. They're here for a reason."
The players are realistic: no one wants to lose players as talented as Neal and Jones, but they're sticking with the "next man up" mantra.
"You never want to act like it's not big losses," said safety Ricardo Allen. "We understand that; but we understand that we still have to play ball, play hard and go get it."