Tag: Isaiah Oliver

1 free agent the Saints could target from each NFC South team

1 free agent the Saints could target from each of the other NFC South teams; division-rival Falcons and Panthers, plus the neighboring Buccaneers

It was always going to come to this. We’ve put a bow on our tour of the 2023 free agency class with the NFC South, home to the New Orleans Saints’ big division rivals: the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. The division is also home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and all three of those teams have some players who could intrigue the Saints when they go looking for additions and upgrades this offseason.

Of course it remains to be seen how actively the Saints will be spending given their, well, precarious salary cap outlook. But the point is that they’ll have plenty of options to work with in March. Let’s explore those closest to home:

Watch: Falcons CB Isaiah Oliver picks off Jimmy Garoppolo

The Falcons activated CB Isaiah Oliver from IR on Saturday and the former 2nd-round pick intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo on Sunday.

The Falcons activated cornerback Isaiah Oliver from the injured reserve list on Saturday and it didn’t take long for the former second-round pick to make his presence felt.

With Atlanta leading 21-14 after a Marcus Mariota touchdown run, the 49ers were driving down for a late field goal when Oliver intercepted quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on the final play of the second quarter.

Make sure to check out our highlight tracker to watch every big play from Sunday’s game.

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Dean Pees must see Isaiah Oliver at full speed before determining role

#Falcons DC Dean Pees said he needs to see Isaiah Oliver play at full speed before determining what his role will be this season.

The Atlanta Falcons appeared to make it through the first four weeks of the season without any major injuries, but then the team placed running back Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve Monday.

While Patterson’s loss is a big one for Atlanta, the team got some good injury news on Wednesday. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the season, was back at practice and has been designated to return.

Oliver has a 21-day practice window in which he can be activated by the Falcons. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees said he wants to see Oliver play at full speed before determining what the former second-round pick’s role will be this season, per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.

Oliver entered the league in 2018 but had little success over his first three seasons under former head coach Dan Quinn.

When Pees took over the defense in 2021, Oliver flourished as the team’s starting nickel corner until tearing his ACL in Week 4.Ā  The Falcons were encouraged by what they saw, and brought Oliver back on a one-year deal in 2022.

It will be interesting to see if or when Oliver reclaims his job. Thus far, Atlanta has had some success with Dee Alford and Mike Ford playing in the slot.

Buccaneers WR Russell Gage will see his former team on Sunday when Atlanta travels to Tampa Bay. Gage talked about going up against Pees in Week 5, saying he expects the Falcons to mix up coverages, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Falcons could be without a key offensive player on Sunday as tight end Kyle Pitts doesn’t appear to be at practice for a second consecutive day.

The team listed Pitts out with a hamstring injury on Wednesday, and according to multiple Falcons beat reporters, Pitts is nowhere to be seen thus far at Thursday’s practice.

Make sure to check our Week 5 injury report for Pitts’ official Thursday status.

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Falcons designate DB Isaiah Oliver to return from IR

Falcons DB Isaiah Oliver returned to the practice field on Wednesday after starting the season on IR.

Atlanta Falcons defensive back Isaiah Oliver has been designated to return from the injured reserve list. The former second-round pick began his 21-day practice window on Wednesday and could be activated at any time.

Oliver suffered a season-ending ACL injury last year during the team’s Week 4 loss to Washington. After spending a full year recovering, the man once nicknamed “The Blanket” by former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris will look to return to his role as the primary nickel corner.

 

In Oliver’s absence, both Dee Alford and Mike Ford have filled in admirably for Atlanta. In Week 4, Alford intercepted quarterback Jacoby Brissett to seal the Falcons’ 23-20 win over the Browns.

In other news, the Falcons signed defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson to the practice squad after the Vikings signed DT Khyiris Tonga on Tuesday.

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Touchdown Wire names Isaiah Oliver the Atlanta Falcons’ most underrated player

Nate Landman isn’t the only former Buff who could impress for the Atlanta Falcons

Former Colorado Buffaloes are preparing for another season in the NFL. There are a couple of new faces in Nate Landman and Carson Wells, both of whom are fighting for roster spots.

Landman was even mentioned as a surprise player during the early part of the preseason for the Atlanta Falcons, so that bodes well for his chances to make the roster.

Another former Buff who is set to have a strong year is another Falcons player, cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

Oliver was named as one of the most underrated players heading into 2022, according to Matt Urben of Falcons Wire via Touchdown Wire:

Atlanta selected Oliver in the second round of the 2018 draft and after a slow start to his NFL career, the former Colorado standout played well in the slot last season. Oliver posted a career-high coverage grade of 76.3, according to Pro Football Focus, but he wound up suffering a knee injury that would cut his 2021 campaign short. Despite playing in just four games, the Falcons saw enough out of Oliver to bring him back on a one-year deal over the offseason. Oliver will enter the year as the teamā€™s starting nickel corner in what should be an improved Falcons secondary. Atlanta signed former Pro Bowl CB Casey Hayward to start on the outside opposite A.J. Terrell.

Oliver was having a strong 2021 before suffering a season-ending injury. This offseason, he re-signed with the Falcons on a one-year deal, and if it weren’t for his injury, he might have received an even better paycheck during NFL free agency.

So, 2022 is another prove-it season for Oliver, and let’s hope he can stay healthy and help a revamped Falcons secondary.

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Contact/Follow usĀ @BuffaloesWireĀ on Twitter, and like our page onĀ FacebookĀ to follow ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

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Every NFL team’s most underrated player heading into 2022

These players don’t get the recognition they deserve in the NFL

The NFL has no shortage of superstars who are the face of the league. But there are plenty of impact players in the NFL who don’t necessarily get the recognition they deserve.

Whether overlooked or ignored altogether, these players are significant contributors to their respective teams.

They’ve had proven success but haven’t necessarily gotten the praise they deserve.

Our NFL Wire editors examined the most underrated player for each team heading into the 2022 season, highlighting why they’re deserving of recognition.

Buffs in the NFL: Isaiah Oliver back with the Atlanta Falcons

Isaiah Oliver is staying in Atlanta

The first former Colorado Buffaloes player to ink a new deal was Ahkello Witherspoon, who returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract.

Then, on Friday, Isaiah Oliver signed a deal to return to the Atlanta Falcons, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Oliver was playing well for the Falcons in 2021 before suffering a brutal knee injury, one that would up sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

In a contract year, the timing of Oliver’s injury was devastating, but the Falcons decided to bring him back on a one-year deal following an impressive performance.

That’s good news.

After playing in every game the past two seasons, Oliver played in just four but was still productive, and his forced fumble against the New York Giants was impressive as can be.

The Falcons cap situation isn’t ideal, although they brought in veteran CB Casey Hayward Jr., so Oliver can learn from the former Pro Bowler.

On the other hand, the Falcons are waiting patiently to see if Deshaun Watson chooses them as his preferred destination (it’s either the Falcons or the New Orleans Saints as of Friday).

Nonetheless, the reunion for Oliver is a nice one for both parties, and the former Buffs CB can recover from injury and try to play well to earn an even bigger contract in 2023 free agency.

Contact/Follow usĀ @BuffaloesWireĀ on Twitter, and like our page onĀ FacebookĀ to follow ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

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Isaiah Oliver’s strong season ends abruptly with knee injury

Isaiah Oliver is out for the season after a devastating knee injury.

The Colorado Buffaloes alums have enjoyed success in the 2021 NFL season, with the most notable being wide receiver Laviska Shenault. However, one former Buff that has played well is Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

The 2018 second-round pick has been enjoying his best season as a pro and was finally carving out a bigger role with the Falcons. Unfortunately, Oliver’s season has come to an end after a devastating season-ending injury suffered on Sunday against the Washington Football Team.

It was a scary injury and one not worth watching at all, and all thoughts go to a quick, successful recovery for Oliver.

Oliver was having an excellent year, and even more devastating is the fact he was in the midst of a contract year. This is a tough blow for him and for Atlanta’s defense as a whole.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith touched on the loss of Oliver, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic.Ā 

“I canā€™t say enough good things about him as a pro and a teammate. Heā€™s really bought in, was having a good year. Thatā€™s the crappy part about this game.” Oliver was playing nickel, and well, this season.”

Oliver had started three of the team’s four games at the nickel corner spot and was thriving in his new role, totaling 11 tackles with a fumble recovery and a forced fumble before suffering the injury.

Just an overall brutal situation for both Oliver and the Falcons, and the hope is that he can get a decent-sized contract, especially after the start he got off to during the 2021 campaign.

 

Falcons Highlights: Isaiah Oliver makes insane one-handed INT

The former second-round pick out of Colorado dropped in coverage, leaped into the air and used one hand to intercept a pass intended for Calvin Ridley.

The Atlanta Falcons have already completed their two open training camp practices, but thanks to the team’s Twitter account, there’s been no shortage of camp highlights. On Monday, the team was back to work and it didn’t take long for defensive back Isaiah Oliver to steal the show.

The former second-round pick out of Colorado dropped in coverage, leaped into the air and used one hand to intercept a pass intended for Calvin Ridley. Check it out for yourself below.

Plus, check out this throw from Ryan to Christian Blake

Lastly, here’s your daily dose of rookie tight end Kyle Pitts.

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10 things the Falcons must figure out over the final 3 games

Here are 10 things the Falcons must figure out over the final three games of the 2020 season.

The Atlanta Falcons have won just four games this season, and have already eliminated themselves from playoff contention. With a new general manager set to be hired in the offseason, the future is completely up in the air.

Here are 10 things the Falcons must figure out over the final three games of the 2020 season.