The Falcons are preparing to travel across the country to take on the Sean Payton-led Broncos, but they’ll be doing so very shorthanded, as the club announced eight players will miss Sunday’s contest in Denver.
https://twitter.com/tori_mcelhaney/status/1857505196454109678
So, why the exaggerated title? Well, take a look at the injuries:
- CB Dee Alford (hamstring)
- CB Mike Hughes (neck)
- CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. (pectoral)
- ILB JD Bertrand (concussion)
- ILB Troy Andersen (knee)
- DL James Smith-Williams (tibia)
- TE Charlie Woerner (concussion)
- DL Ta’Quon Graham (pectoral)
Charlie Woerner’s absence is notable. Though primarily a blocking tight end, he’s critical to Atlanta’s overall effectiveness on the offensive side of the ball. However, much of the injuries lie on the other side of the ball.
That’s seven defenders if you’re counting, including three starters and another four rotational pieces. It might not be yours, but it is my worst fear to watch Bo Nix carve up the Atlanta Falcons.
Dating back to his first year at Auburn as a fresh face freshman, I’ve constantly bagged on the guy because up until his season with the Oregon Ducks, his play was underwhelming. A lot of Falcons fans have college ties that rival the Auburn Tigers, so they share this disdain.
Of course, in Denver with Sean Payton, that hatred has continued, but all of these injuries are setting me up to look like an idiot because it looks like Clark Phillips III and Kevin King are in the starting lineup, as well as Richie Grant in nickel packages.
At the second level, Nate Landman will start next to Kaden Elliss. In the trenches, James Smith-Williams and Ta’Quon Graham will be missed in the rotation, but it will pave the way for Brandon Drolus to make his regular season debut.
Hopefully, the Falcons can overcome these injuries and not let Bo Nix embarrass them, but it’s entirely possible Atlanta’s defense looks lost come Sunday.
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Photographer: Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire
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