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We've talked quite a bit about the Atlanta Falcons' linebacker corps this offseason. We've talked about the team's deliberate, calculated effort to improve the group as a whole. They've taken a dynamic approach, trying to upgrade through both free agency and the draft. We're desperately hoping it works, because notwithstanding the excellent effort put forth by guys like Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu over the past couple of years, an upgrade is absolutely essential.
All that said, there's good news from training camp. Multiple sources raved about the Falcons linebackers yesterday. Here's what some well-informed spectators had to say:
Rookie DeVondre Campbell made an awesome play on a deep ball to Coleman. Broke up sure TD. He may already be best cover LB #Falcons have
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) July 28, 2016
Don't want to over-hype the new players too much on Day 1 of camp, but it's clear there is *a lot* more talent at linebacker this season.
— Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) July 28, 2016
OMG YOU GUYS WHAT IF WE HAVE LBs WHO CAN COVER THIS YEAR
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) July 28, 2016
This is encouraging, even if we're only one day into training camp. A lot of Dan Quinn's harshest critics will quickly recant if he gets some decent personnel. I'm not making excuses for the second year head coach. That said, it's hard to get results when you're not playing with a full deck. Also noteworthy is all the coverage-related hype Campbell is getting. We knew he was fast (4.58 40 yard dash) and we knew he could hold his own in the open field, but he seems to be overshadowing fellow speedy LB Deion Jones early. It'll be interesting to see how he and the rest of the linebacker corps develop as camp progresses.
Your thoughts, Falcoholics?