Falcons vs Dolphins: Who was the defensive player of the game?

Despite the meltdown at the end of the game, there were some performances worth noticing.

I get it. Giving up 28 points to a struggling Dolphins offense is hardly something to celebrate. Yet, if you look beneath the surface, you’ll see that there are reasons to be optimistic about the long-term potential for this Falcons defense.

This is a unit that has several holes to fill, but some key guys delivered on Sunday in ways that helped secure the win. Let’s take a look at who stood out.

Deion Jones

This is the linebacker that we love. The wicked fast coverage linebacker was a factor all game long. He had 15 total tackles including 3 for a loss. He added on the only sack of the game which set the Dolphins back 10 yards. He was a force on the defense and this is arguably his best performance of the 2021 season.

Grady Jarrett

Yet again, Grady didn’t net the stats that light up the scoreboard but his impact was felt. He had four tackles and two QB hits, but he pressured Tua five times during the game and was a big presence in the middle that stifled the Dolphins offense in key stretches of the game.

Jaylinn Hawkins

Don’t look now, but the second year safety now leads the team with two interceptions in as many games. This time, his interception almost certainly killed a scoring drive for the Dolphins that could have been the difference in this very close game. He wasn’t perfect, but the second year safety is showing that he could be in-line for more playing time going forward as he shows a nose for the ball.

Foye Oloukun

The fourth year linebacker has had an up and down season. On Sunday, though, he was as active as we’ve seen him all year. He had 13 tackles and a critical interception of Tua Tagovailoa that shut down a drive that came off a Falcons turnover. The Falcons need more of this from him going forward.

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