Three under the radar standouts for the Falcons through Week 4

The Falcons enter Week 5 coming off two of the most impressive performances of the season.

Bijan Robinson is the frontrunner for the Offensive Player of the Year award, recording 339 yards on the ground with four touchdowns over the past two weeks. Brian Robinson Jr. has been a wonderful complement in the backfield as well, and the return of Michael Penix Jr. has really opened things up for star wide receiver Drake London and the passing attack.

Most everybody who watches the NFL knows about the Falcons’ star power on that side of the ball. But the most impressive aspect of Atlanta through four weeks has been the defense. This is a group that ranks first against the run, allowing fewer than 50 yards on the ground per game, and second in pressure rate. That’s pretty incredible considering they’re doing it without Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., and A.J. Terrell — three of the best players on the defense coming into the season.

There aren’t many players on this unit who are household names, but if these performances keep up, they will be soon.

Cameron Thomas

After spending last season as a reserve for the Cleveland Browns, Cameron Thomas followed Kevin Stefanski to Atlanta on a one-year deal worth just over $3 million. That’s the type of contract fringe roster players often sign, but due to injuries and the suspension handed to James Pearce Jr., Thomas has filled in as the starter and is earning himself a ton of money. Through four weeks, he has 13 pressures — the 17th-most of any EDGE defender — eight quarterback hits, already a career high, and 1.5 sacks. Thomas is a primary reason Atlanta’s defensive front has been among the best in football through four weeks.

C.J. Henderson

When A.J. Terrell went on Injured Reserve, alarm bells went off for everybody who has watched this team over the last five years. He’s the Falcons’ best cover corner, and depth at the position has never been a strength.

However, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich staunchly defended C.J. Henderson, and the veteran cornerback has responded with possibly the best play of his entire career. He already has six passes defended. Quarterbacks are completing just 50% of passes when targeting him for an 80.9 quarterback rating, and he forced a pivotal fumble in the first half of the Falcons’ win over the Saints. Not bad for a reserve cornerback, who could continue starting even when Terrell returns from injury.

Harold Perkins Jr.

Harold Perkins Jr. — a sixth-round pick out of LSU — is slowly working himself onto the field more, and it culminated on Monday night against his hometown Saints, as he recorded 10 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a pass defended in the win. He’s someone who’s clearly earning the trust of the coaching staff with each passing week, seeing the field on more than 65% of the defensive snaps over the past two games and providing a lot of value in passing situations where his versatility can really shine.

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