1. Keanu Neal
The Falcons defense has been light-years better since safety Keanu Neal arrived on the scene last year. There weren’t many people who knew too much about the former Gators football player when he entered the league, but he is slowing becoming one of the best defensive-backs in the NFL.
Needless to say, Atlanta needs their superstar strong safety to have a great game on Saturday afternoon against the Eagles. Not only does Zach Ertz present a challenge in the passing game, but Jay Ajayi and LaGarrett Blount will be looking to sink their teeth into multiple touchdown runs as well.
Obviously, Neal can’t stop all of the Eagles’ offensive weapons by himself, but he can easily set the tone for the game. Not to mention, the Falcons defense let Ajayi run all over them when he was on the Miami Dolphins earlier this season. Don’t be fooled into thinking the Dirty Birds forgot that feeling. For a defense who prides themselves on being fast and physical, Ajayi made them look soft and silly in the Fins’ win over the Falcons.
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Again, for Atlanta to come out of Philly victorious, Neal needs to have a great game. I trust his ability to cover Ertz in open field, but he must lay the hammer down against the Eagles running backs early and often. If he does that, I expect the Falcons to advance.