Tag: Isaiah Oliver

Panthers Highlights: D.J. Moore roasts Isaiah Oliver for first touchdown of 2020

Watch Moore absolutely roast Falcons “cornerback” Isaiah Oliver one-on-one and then run all the way to the end zone.

Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore has had a quiet start to the 2020 season, falling behind Robby Anderson as the team’s top passing option. He finally just scored his first touchdown of the year, though.

Watch Moore absolutely roast Falcons “cornerback” Isaiah Oliver one-on-one and then run all the way to the end zone.

Carolina leads 13-7 late in the first half.

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Falcons WR Julio Jones, CB Kendall Sheffield practicing Thursday

The Atlanta Falcons could get several starters back for their prime-time matchup with the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

The Atlanta Falcons could get several starters back for their prime-time matchup with the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

As the team takes the field for Thursday’s practice, WR Julio Jones, LB Foye Oluokun, WR Russell Gage and CB Kendall Sheffield are suiting up, as reported by ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.

Sheffield is expected to start this week in what will be his first game action of the season. Atlanta needs all the help it can get in the secondary and the former fourth-round pick out of Ohio State is a welcome addition.

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is “fired up” to get Sheffield back.

The team has activated CB Jordan Miller from his suspension, which should also help add some depth behind Oliver and Sheffield. Darqueze Dennard has been placed on injured reserve, so look for Miller and Blidi Wreh-Wilson to each see time at the nickel back spot.

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Falcons secondary coach comments on Isaiah Oliver, A.J. Terrell

The Falcons are in the unenviable position of facing Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 4 with a shorthanded secondary.

The Falcons are in the unenviable position of facing Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 4 with a shorthanded secondary. Starting cornerback Kendall Sheffield has missed all three games with a foot injury, while rookie A.J. Terrell was put into the league’s COVID-19 protocol prior to the team’s Week 3 loss to the Bears.

Free safety Ricardo Allen sat out with an elbow injury and things only got worse in the fourth quarter when Darqueze Dennard went down with a pulled hamstring.

That leaves Isaiah Oliver, a talented player that’s been thrown into a No. 1 CB role due to Atlanta’s barrage of injuries. Oliver’s well-noted struggles in Week 3 weren’t entirely on him, though. For one, he shouldn’t be in that role, nor should he get the brunt of criticism simply by being the only defensive back to stay healthy.

Secondary coach Joe Whitt was brought in to work with the Falcons’ young corners during the offseason. Despite the rocky start, Whitt isn’t about to throw Oliver under the bus. Watch his comments on Oliver below, as shared by ESPN’s Vaughn McClure on Twitter.

As for Terrell, Whitt said he “can’t wait to get him back.” In another video shared by McClure, Whitt talked about having Charles Woodson address the team before the season.

The Falcons did get some good news this week, activating CB Jordan Miller, a 2019 fifth-round pick, to the active roster following a suspension. Check back for Atlanta’s injury report after today’s practice.

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Dan Quinn praises Falcons secondary coach Joe Whitt

The Atlanta Falcons kept the majority of their coaching staff intact after last season’s 7-9 finish. One addition the team did make, however, was secondary coach Joe Whitt. 

The Atlanta Falcons kept the majority of their coaching staff intact after last season’s 7-9 finish. One change the team did make, however, was the addition of secondary coach Joe Whitt.

After spending the 2007 season as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Falcons, Whitt spent ten years coaching the Packers’ defensive backs before a one-year pit stop in Cleveland during 2019 as the Browns secondary coach and passing game coordinator.

Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn brought Whitt aboard during the offseason and the move is already paying off. As tweeted by beat reporter Kelsey Conway below, Quinn raved about Whitt’s early impact on the team’s young secondary.

Quinn said Whitt has been one of the Falcons’ most valuable offseason additions, which couldn’t come at a better time as the team enters the year with very little experience at cornerback beyond Darqueze Denanrd.

Atlanta drafted Clemson’s A.J. Terrell in the first round and the rookie could potentially start this season. Meanwhile, Kendall Sheffield and Isaiah Oliver return, but have just three years of NFL experience between them.

Oliver gave Whitt some serous praise as well, per ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will have his work cut out for him this season, but it sounds like the team is off to a great start under Whitt’s direction. Stay tuned for more news coming out of the Falcons’ Wednesday training camp practice.

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The 4 Falcons under the most pressure in 2020

Every year, NFL players face tremendous pressure. Young players are expected to improve. Veterans are expected to defy age.

Every year, NFL players face tremendous pressure. Young players are expected to improve. Veterans are expected to defy age. Those making the most money are expected to avoid injury.

However, that doesn’t mean certain players don’t still face more pressure than others. After the first wave of free agency, the Atlanta Falcons‘ roster is taking shape for next season.

Let’s examine the four Falcons players that will be under the most scrutiny entering 2020.

TE Hayden Hurst

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Hurst is in position to take his game to the next level after a limited role in Baltimore’s offense last season. Austin Hooper may not ultimately be worth the monster contract he received from Cleveland, but he was deserving of the money based on his elite production.

Not only is Hurst a former first-round pick, Atlanta gave up a second-round pick to acquire him and he must replace one of the top five tight ends in the game. Getting traded to the Falcons may be just what Hurst needs to maximize his skill-set, but the pressure is on.

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