The Atlanta Falcons’ defense returned to form on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The team only allowed 15 points (all Field Goals) despite Derek Carr passing for over 300 yards. The combination of a stout defense and explosive running game is the exact formula the team needs to replicate to finish the season strong and make a playoff push. The team also may have discovered a hidden gem in this game in the form of 7th-round safety DeMarcco Hellams out of Alabama.
Hellams found himself in the game late in place of Richie Grant Sunday playing on critical downs. Grant has had an up-and-down career in Atlanta and has made some key errors in the form of missed tackles that have cost the team points at times. He will make $1.7 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. The team will have a tough choice on their hands if Hellams continues to shine considering his draft status compared to the second-round choice Grant was.
For now, depth in the defensive backfield is only a plus for this team. Grant and Hellams can both contribute and learn from one another as the team heads into the playoff hunt. It will be worth noting if Hellams continues to see his snap count rise dramatically as he has over the past few weeks with most of those snaps coming with Grant on the sideline.
