Philadelphia Eagles versus Atlanta: 5 Under-the-radar Falcons to watch

Avery Williams could be a problem for the Philadelphia Eagles special teams.

Atlanta’s fifth-round pick Avery Williams might not be starting at cornerback just yet but he has already earned his spot as a special teamer. At Boise State, Williams was a lethal return man. In 2020, he ranked fourth in the nation with 229 punt return yards, ninth with 553 kick return yards, first with two punt return touchdowns, and first with two kick return touchdowns.

Over the course of his career, he averaged 11.6 yards per punt return and 27.4 yards per kick return. Right now, Williams is listed as the starting punt returner so Arryn Sipposs will need to do his best to keep the ball out of his hands.

In addition, Williams is expected to take snaps as a gunner on punts and kicks. The Eagles are used to having a guy like Rudy Ford on their side but in this instance, Williams will be the opponent.

While the Eagles’ new coaching staff has a lot of promise, new special teams coordinator Michael Clay is coming off of a rough 2020 campaign in San Francisco. His special teams unit was ranked 27th in Rick Gosselin’s rankings.

They allowed the seventh-most yards per kick return and they were one of just seven teams to allow a kick return touchdown. They were a bit better against punt returns (14th in yards per return). The Niners went through the injury gauntlet last year and the Eagles punt team was one of the few positives so Clay might have more success this season.

Regardless of the circumstances, it’s best for the Eagles to keep the ball out of Williams’ hands and put two guys on him when he is lined up as a gunner.