FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons nickel back Isaiah Oliver played some safety against the Cardinals on Sunday.
“It’s just about the scheme and the call,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “It’s not necessarily that he was lining up at safety.”
Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees said Oliver was playing nickel and safety.
Whatever position the Falcons want to call it, Oliver played well. He finished tied for the team lead with nine tackles and a sack.
“He got the sack on the second play of the game,” Smith said. “He had a big impact on the game. When you have a smart player that is versatile, understands the scheme and angles, it certainly helps. I think he’s gotten healthy. I’m really happy for him. He’s one of those guys who is fun to coach.”
Pees also lauded Oliver for his performance.
“He played one of the best defensive-back games since I’ve been around,” Pees said. “He had a helluva game. Sack, a tackle for loss, a couple of PBUs. Playing nickel. Playing safety.
“I told him the other day, I’ve obviously been around a long time and had a lot of (defensive backs) and stuff, but that was as good of a performance from a defensive back that I can remember in a long, long time. Especially, from where he’s coming back from injury and stuff like that. I just couldn’t be prouder of the guy.”
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The Bow Tie Chronicles
Atlanta Falcons 2022 schedule
Sept. 11 Saints 27, Falcons 26
Sept. 18 Rams 31, Falcons 27
Sept. 25 Falcons 27, Seahawks 23
Oct. 2 Falcons 23, Browns 20
Oct. 9 Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15
Oct. 16 Falcons 28, 49ers 14
Oct. 23 Bengals 35, Falcons 17
Oct. 30 Falcons 37, Panthers 34 OT
Nov. 6 Chargers 20, Falcons 17
Nov. 10 Panthers 25, Falcons 15
Nov. 20 Falcons 27, Bears 24
Nov. 27 Commanders 19, Falcons 13
Dec. 4 Steelers 19, Falcons 16
BYE WEEK
Dec. 18 Saints 21, Falcons 18
Dec. 24 Ravens 17, Falcons 9
Jan. 1 Falcons 20, Cardinals 19
Jan. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
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