Out-of-Box Move to Consider

Switching to a big nickel with Keanu Neal as a safety/linebacker

While the idea of having five defensive backs on the field at one time might scare most defensive coordinators, the Falcons playing a base out of a big nickel actually makes sense. Against three wide receiver sets, Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen would play safety as Damontae Kazee drops into the slot. In base sets, Neal would be in the box while Allen and Kazee would play safety. It would give the team more versatility and speed on the field.

The Falcons’ defense in 2019 had issues because they couldn’t get the right personnel into the right spots. However, this would give the team more than enough versatility to make it work. Atlanta would have one of the best defensive alignments out there with Neal as a “star” style linebacker/safety too. Allen and Kazee would have to improve their coverage from the slot to really make this work, though.

[lawrence-related id=44951]

[vertical-gallery id=46598]