Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson has high praise for Falcons CB A.J. Terrell

The Falcons sit at 6-8 after falling to the 49ers 31-13 on Sunday, which all but eliminates them from postseason contention. Atlanta has one of the worst point differentials and DVOA ratings in league history for a team with six wins; however, they’ve still eclipsed last year’s win total in the first year of the new regime. There are pieces on the roster to build around, but the overall talent level is underwhelming.

A.J. Terrell is one of those pillars this franchise can build around for the next decade. He has set the NFL world on notice this season with his suffocating coverage. Terrell is PFF’s highest-rated cornerback in the NFL out of 117 qualifying candidates. His 90.2 coverage grade also ranks first in the league, ahead of Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, J.C. Jackson, and other elite corners. The Rams are set to play the Seahawks tonight, but for now, Terrell sits atop the throne.

The Atlanta media has done as much as they can to put him on a pedestal, but All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors were always going to hinge on the national recognition he garnered. Well, one notable member of the NFL community — Ochocinco — highlights that lack of respect.

https://twitter.com/ochocinco/status/1473035558272307204?s=20

Johnson is a highly respected individual when it comes to cornerback and wide receiver play, so his words carry weight. Terrell didn’t have his best game against the 49ers, but that hasn’t stopped the wave of praise for him. When it rains, it pours.

A.J. Terrell has allowed only 1 catch and fewer than 10 yards in 4 straight games

He should be a first-team All-Pro CB

— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) December 20, 2021

 

First-team All-Pro is as good as it gets, but Terrell very well may be the most deserving option. Unfortunately, I’m not sure he’ll receive enough votes from the Associated Press, who are more attached to the storylines of players rather than the play on the field. Terrell has only given up 23 receptions on 52 targets (44.2%) the entire season, allowing 150 yards on those 23 catches (6.5 average).

Trevon Diggs is a prime example, whose flashy interception total camouflages his entire body of work. The Cowboys corner leads the league in takeaways but hasn’t played as consistently as Terrell. Terrell has completely broken out in 2021 and should be appreciated. However, he’ll have some stiff competition — Ramsey, Marshon Lattimore, Darius Slay, J.C. Jackson, etc. — for individual awards and honors.