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The Atlanta Falcons made Mohamed Sanu one of their top free agency signings last year. The problem was was a little slow to make a play outside, so we typically did not see a lot of yards after the catch. The explosive Taylor Gabriel pushed for playing time, and the undersized pass catcher started seeing more snaps on the outside.
With a new offensive coordinator, it was far from a guarantee Sanu would stick in the slot. Dan Quinn cleared it up and said that is really where he fits.
Dan Quinn says that Mohamed Sanu has great change-of-direction ability despite being 220 pounds. Useful out of the slot. #Falcons
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 17, 2017
Sanu has great size and great hands, and did great last season when going across the middle. Pro Football Focus had Sanu pretty high on their list from the slot.
You can count on Mohamed Sanu from the slot. pic.twitter.com/ErD9WMH3n6
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) July 30, 2017
You have to accept Sanu’s speed limitations, but he filled in well as a short-range target after Jacob Tamme went down. Maybe his best role is making the tough catches to move the chains.
Once Gabriel emerged, Shanahan started using Sanu more in the slot. This is when he started to find his niche in the offense. pic.twitter.com/KdocKuJm63
— Allen Strk (@Allen_Strk) August 4, 2017
More good work from the slot. Sanu is too crafty for these inexperienced nickel corners. pic.twitter.com/r20X50w5iW
— Allen Strk (@Allen_Strk) August 4, 2017
Moving Sanu to the slot full-time keeps Gabriel in a position to make some plays down the field. If Dan Quinn is talking up Sanu in the slot, Steve Sarkisian has to be preparing to keep the same last season setup.