Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen began the 2023 season as a full-time starter alongside Kaden Elliss on Atlanta’s defense after playing in all 17 games (five starts) as a rookie in 2022. Sadly, the pectoral and shoulder injuries he suffered in Week 3 prevented him from playing the rest of the season. Nathan Landman, a 2022 UDFA, started in his place and finished with 110 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks, and an interception.
Andersen has no restrictions while taking part in OTAs, as D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The athlete even admits, “Yeah, I feel good.” It’s kind of back to normal now. Better, hopefully, than usual. Yes, it’s quite good.
While Andersen has been settling in with the second team and fifth-round rookie JD Bertrand, Landman has been working with Elliss and the first team defense. However, considering Andersen’s draft history (he was selected in the second round in 2022), it is reasonable to believe that he will at least try to earn a starting position. In fact, Ledbetter’s depth chart ranks Andersen as a starter ahead of Landman.
Under new head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons are switching to a 3-4 alignment, so Elliss, Andersen, and Landman will have plenty of opportunities to gain reps. Morris also hinted that all three players might occasionally be on the field at the same time.
Morris remarked, “Man, it’s been fun to watch those three guys out there.” “You’re talking about some large humans who have exceptional speed and agility, especially when it comes to moving the ball and obstructing traffic lanes.” They accomplish so much good that it nearly seems as though three distinct coaches are present in the same space at once. Seeing them play on the pitch will be thrilling. They have the kind of talent that calls for greater playtime, so perhaps all at once.
The trio’s highest paid player is Elliss, who inked a $21.5 million, three-year contract with Atlanta in March of last year. In 2023, he fulfilled his obligation by compiling 122 tackles with four sacks, ranking as the 20th-best linebacker in the league out of 82 qualifiers by Pro Football Focus.
According to PFF’s criteria, Landman performed admirably as well, ranking as the 28th-best LB on the site. Although many ‘backers struggle with pass coverage, which is where PFF took issue with him, he more than made up for it with his performance versus the run.
Because of this, Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will have a difficult time getting playing time for each of their linebackers. Additionally, Andersen’s return will strengthen a defense that ranked 11th in total yardage the previous campaign. The Montana State product recorded 19 total tackles (including one TFL) and a half-sack in his two games in 2023.
Leave a Reply