Dean Pees says rookie Richie Grant must learn defense to get on field
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By: Deen Worley
The Falcons may not have the league’s best defense, but through the first two weeks they have at least shown signs of improvement. Of course, as the offense continues to stall, the defense is set up to fail.
Against Tampa Bay in Week 2, the Falcons’ defense forced a punt and a fumble on two of the Buccaneers’ first three possessions. This resulted in Atlanta’s offense punting twice and failing on a fourth-down QB sneak. The Bucs then went five plays and scored to take a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.
So while there have been some defensive improvements, the Falcons’ secondary has been very underwhelming with Duron Harmon and Erik Harris at safety. The lack of production has caused many to question why second-round pick Richie Grant has barely been on the field two weeks into the season. Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees explained Grant’s lack of playing time on Thursday.
“Just learning the defense better,” said Pees. “He’s just a rookie. It’s a lot of defense, it’s a lot of stuff. He’s just got to get to that point where he knows it and we know he knows it.”
After seeing just six total snaps in Week 1 against the Eagles, Grant didn’t see any playing time the following week. How much will Grant play against the Giants? Using the words straight from Pees’ mouth, I doubt Grant will even get on the field. In his lone target this season, Grant allowed Jalen Reagor to take a 23-yard screen pass to the endzone. Grant overcommitted and allowed for the pulling lineman to clean him out.
Pees also noted that Jaylinn Hawkins got extended playing time because he earned it after a hard week of practice.
“Had nothing to do with Duron, has to do with Hawkins earning the right to play. If you’re a guy out there and you’re busting your butt every week and you’re doing well and the coaches see you’re doing well, then you need a little playing time and we need him to get in there and play some.”
Check out Pees’ full press conference, as shared on the team’s YouTube channel below.
