Entering Sunday’s game against the Saints, the Falcons secondary looked to be in bad shape with top corner Desmond Trufant set to miss his fourth straight game.
Apparently, something clicked for this team during the bye week, however, and Atlanta would play its best defensive game all season, beating a 7-1 New Orleans team on the road.
The Falcons recorded six sacks of Saints QB Drew Brees, while the secondary played with confidence for the first time in weeks. Rookie Kendall Sheffield more than held his own in Week 10 — being targeted seven times and allowing just five catches for 28 yards.
Pro Football Focus gave Sheffield an impressive grade of 89.9 for his performance on Sunday:
Rookie CB Kendall Sheffield had the best game of his young career yesterday. He recorded a coverage grade of 89.9 on 53 coverage snaps.
Sheffield was targeted 7 times and allowed 5 receptions for only 28 yards and 0 First Downs or Touchdowns.
— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) November 11, 2019
The Falcons have asked a lot of their rookie fourth-round pick this season, and although there have been some bumps in the road, Sheffield has exceeded expectations in 2019.
The team may have lucked into another building block if the former Ohio State standout can keep it up.
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