Atlanta Falcons: 3 Big takeaways from Preseason Week 3
By Derek Snyder
3. Damontae Kazee is going to be an X-factor in 2018
Each and every week this preseason, Damontae Kazee has looked the part. The second-year player out of San Diego State has been flying around in the secondary, making big plays against wide receivers, and bringing down the hammer on opposing running backs. If it weren’t for Ricardo Allen establishing himself as the quarterback of this defense, I’d be vying for Kazee to be on the field more often.
In my opinion, Kazee was the most exciting player to watch for the Falcons on Saturday night in Jacksonville. He brought an energy to the defense that was clearly missing against Jacksonville, and almost came away with his second interception of the 2018 NFL preseason — thanks a lot, T.J. Yeldon.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been continually encouraged about Kazee’s future in this Falcons defense, especially with his play over the last few weeks. Outside of Atlanta’s first-team defensive backs, they haven’t had anyone step up and establish themselves as someone who’s ready for the next level.
Who knows, maybe this is exactly what Kazee needs to show head coach, Dan Quinn, and defensive coordinator, Marquand Manuel, that he’s ready to play a larger-role and help this team win in 2018?