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October 21, 2009 1:06 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Here’s another feather in the cap for Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
Second-year safety Thomas DeCoud has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after making his first two career interceptions against Chicago on Sunday night. That’s further proof that Dimitroff’s 2008 draft class (his first) continues to shape up as a great one.
DeCoud didn’t do much as a rookie, but he claimed a starting role over William Moore, who the Falcons drafted this year, during training camp. DeCoud has shown steady improvement each week and now has a solid lock on the job.
He’s joined fellow 2008 picks Matt Ryan, Sam Baker and Curtis Lofton in the starting lineup. Defensive end Kroy Biermann also has taken on an increased role this season after showing some promise as a rookie as the Falcons have moved defensive end Jamaal Anderson to defensive tackle. Cornerback Chevis Jackson also showed some flashes last season, but has been quiet so far this year. That could change soon with cornerback Brian Williams going out for the season with an injury. Jackson might step into the lineup as a starter or nickel back.
The Falcons also got good production from receiver/return man Harry Douglas as a rookie, but he’s sidelined with an injury this season.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Here’s another feather in the cap for Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
Second-year safety Thomas DeCoud has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after making his first two career interceptions against Chicago on Sunday night. That’s further proof that Dimitroff’s 2008 draft class (his first) continues to shape up as a great one.
DeCoud didn’t do much as a rookie, but he claimed a starting role over William Moore, who the Falcons drafted this year, during training camp. DeCoud has shown steady improvement each week and now has a solid lock on the job.
He’s joined fellow 2008 picks Matt Ryan, Sam Baker and Curtis Lofton in the starting lineup. Defensive end Kroy Biermann also has taken on an increased role this season after showing some promise as a rookie as the Falcons have moved defensive end Jamaal Anderson to defensive tackle. Cornerback Chevis Jackson also showed some flashes last season, but has been quiet so far this year. That could change soon with cornerback Brian Williams going out for the season with an injury. Jackson might step into the lineup as a starter or nickel back.
The Falcons also got good production from receiver/return man Harry Douglas as a rookie, but he’s sidelined with an injury this season.