Studs and Duds
The season is about in the books. Most of us are already looking towards next season, however in order for the Falcons to move forward they must have an evaluation period of the current roster. I think the Falcoholic fan base should have our own evaluation because there are some very knowledgeable football fans on this site. Here is my list of Suds and Duds.
Studs
Desmond Trufant only 1 pick but he has 14 passes defensed which is a big stat for corners, some would say it is bigger than picks. Teams are starting to not even throw his way, he is a gem.
Paul Worrilow 89 tackles (55 of those are solo, played in all 12 games but only started 8). This guy is a football player, he doesn’t have any sacks but when he blitzes he usually wrecks havoc.
Robert Alford has 7 passes defensed and 2 picks. He is going to be a good corner in this league for a long time.
Joplo Bartu – his stats aren’t mind blowing but he may be our best pass rusher. He only has 3.5 sacks but when his number is called to blitz he normally either gets the sack or disrupts the QB, his coverage skills have gotten better over the course of the season and 59 tackles isn’t shabby for starting 10 games and being a rookie with 4 games left to play.
Julio Jones 5 games, 41 receptions, 580 yards enough said! You do the math for the entire season if he were healthy.
Antone Smith – 5 carries 145 yards 2 touchdowns. 10 tackles on Special teams. More playing time please!
Jonathan Babineaux – this guys is always in the backfield, he is very disruptive.
Duds
Thomas Decoud – man it hurts me to put his name on the list, but he has had and awful season.
Akeem Dent – disappointed that he want able to develop and be the man at linebacker. Paul Warrilow has stepped in and taken over in that role.
Stephen Nicholas – has been a locker room favorite here for years, coaches love him too. He has a touching story if you have never read it you should http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/1893/very-special-father-s-day-for-falcons-nicholas
However he is not performing at LB anymore, could be injuries but another disappointment from the LB position
Jonathan Massaquoi – Coach Smith says he is developing. Im sorry he lands on this list because you only get 1 year to develop the next year you must produce. 1 sack doesn’t cut it.
THE ENTIRE OFFENSIVE LINE
Who’s on your list of Studs and Duds?