Courtney Upshaw, a converted linebacker, is starting to get more comfortable playing along the defensive line.
After being inactive for three of the first six games, he played a season-high 33 or 75 of the defensive snaps (44 percent) against San Diego. The playing time became available when the Falcons placed Derrick Shelby (Achilles) on injured reserved.
“As a (defensive) lineman in them trenches, it’s different,” Upshaw said. “You just have to run with it. From Day 1, I always thanked coach (Dan) Quinn and them guys for giving me an opportunity.”
Upshaw, a former star at Alabama, was drafted by Baltimore and played linebacker for four seasons for the Ravens. The Falcons signed him to a one-year, $1.25 million — make good — deal.
He had to adjust to not playing while learning his new position.
“Being inactive, I’ve never done that until I got here,” Upshaw said. “I was just trying to run with it, honestly.”
While on the sidelines watching the defensive linemen battle against Seattle, is when Upshaw said he felt like a lineman.
Against the Chargers, Upshaw played defensive end in the base defense and played tackle in the nickel package. He batted down a Philip Rivers pass.
“I think this best game was my best game, including (exhibition games),” Upshaw said. “Honestly, just from an energy standpoint and making plays. Just being me. It’s been different, but I’m trying to run with it.
“I’m trying to fall in love with it. It’s different. Sometime, when I’m running with the scout team they have me dropping in coverage and that takes me back.”
Quinn has been pleased with the development of Upshaw.
“I just keep seeing him improve at it,” Quinn said. “It’s taken some time for him to transition as you might expect from being an outside linebacker both in college and in his career at Baltimore. He’s strong. He’s got really quick hands.
“Now, you get to see his get-off. His weight is down low. That was something that we battled, to keep it down. Now, he looks crisp. He looks fresh. We are going to continue down that road with him as one of our core nickel players.”
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