With a solid offense, the defense was the priority over the off season and it shows on the football field this week. Rookie safety Keanu Neal has made some big hits over the weekend and impressed onlookers with his physical style of play, but not all are happy.
Veteran tight end Jacob Tamme pulled the youngster aside to remind him they are on the same side after a collision between the two, but for the coaches and fans, its great to see an attitude in the secondary and that could become contagious.
Safety Ricardo Allen is also making a presence at the start of training camp, but not just with his play. The youngster has become a verbal leader with the defense. His help with the other 10 players in the unit has them playing as one and that could lead to a big improvement for a squad that finished 16th overall in yards allowed in 2015.
Another rookie is making some noise and it could lead to a reshuffle at linebacker. Second round pick Deion Jones has been impressive to start his professional career and it led to last years starting middle linebacker Paul Worrilow being moved to the outside in nickel packages over the weekend.
Jones is a physical player with a nose for the football and his development will be key to the Atlanta Falcons stopping opposing offensives in 2016. If the former LSU star can make a quick transition to the faster speed of the NFL, it could mean a breakout year for the franchise and help take the pressure off quarterback Matt Ryan and the offense, who have had to carry this team for the last few seasons.
