Philadelphia Eagles versus Atlanta: 5 Under-the-radar Falcons to watch
By Hunter Doyle
Foyesade Oluokun could slow the Philadelphia Eagles offense.
While Deion Jones will garner most of the attention at linebacker, Foyesade Oluokun has come a long way during his tenure in Atlanta. Last year, he outplayed his 2018 sixth-round pick label. As Kevin Knight from The Falcoholic notes, Oluokon actually had a better season than Jones.
Oluokun did it all whether it was exploding into the backfield to stop the run, dropping back into coverage to make big plays, or helping in the pass rush. There were plenty of times where he flipped the field with big-time turnovers too.
He finished the 2020 season with 117 tackles, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three sacks. One turnover might be all it takes to change the complexion of this game with how close it’s been in years past.
On Philly Insider’s Week 1 preview, Locked On Falcons host Aaron Freeman talked about how Oluokon will be playing the MIKE and will likely spy Jalen Hurts at times. Don’t be surprised if Atlanta’s new defensive coordinator Dean Pees uses Oluokun to disguise coverages and confuse Hurts into some bad throws.
Jason Kelce will be key in helping Hurts identity where pressure is coming from. If Oluokun continues to make strides, he could be part of a lethal duo at linebacker with Deion Jones and give the Eagles offense some trouble this Sunday.