Falcons’ Fabian Moreau has all the intel on Washington Football Team

“I didn’t leave on a sour note,” Moreau said. “I love each and every one of those guys. There were my dudes for four years. I still talk to a lot of them, but I’m just happy to be able to compete against them and see them on the field.”

Moreau is the Falcons’ starting right cornerback and is off to strong start.

“I’m thankful to be drafted there,” Moreau said. “Thankful for my time there. Just ready to compete against them and play hard. Attack this game like every other game.”

Moreau has been exchanging information with Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who meticulously scouts the opposing secondary personnel.

“Yeah, we’ve been talking,” Moreau said. “He knows what he’s going to get each and every week.”

He’s also informed the secondary what they have to deal with in Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has 19 catches for 231 yards and a touchdown.

“Terry is a great receiver,” Moreau said. “He plays hard. He’s fast. He’s strong. A lot of people are starting to see what he can do. The minute that he stepped (into the league) and has continued to show it each and every game.”

Moreau played some nickel and left cornerback for Washington, while also contributing on special teams. He played in 60 games and made 18 starts. He had some personal battles with McLaurin.

“Yeah, I went against him a lot,” Moreau said. “He puts his game on film each and every week. He shows the world what he can do.”

Washington running back Antonio Gibson, who played at Eagles Landing High, was a rookie last season. He’s leading Washington in rushing with 45 carries for 190 yards. He has a shin injury and didn’t practice Thursday.

“Man, he has taken a big step,” Moreau said. “He took a big step last year even as a rookie. As the season went on, he got better, and he’s shown that this year as well.”

Opposing quarterbacks have completed eight of 12 targets with Moreau in coverage for 85 yards and two touchdowns this season, according to Pro Football Reference’s advanced statistics. He’s made seven tackles and had one pass breakup over 197 defensive snaps (97%).

Moreau believes the Falcons’ defense is starting to play better together. He believes the unit received a big boost from their fourth-quarter stop against the Giants on Sunday that turned the ball over to the offense, which swiftly moved into position for the game-winning field goal.

“That was big,” Moreau said. “Our number was called, and we delivered. We’ve got to do that each and every week.”

Moreau was called for defensive pass interference on third down.

“That’s football tough, it happens fast,” Moreau said. “I’m not going to change what I do. I’m going to play fast. I’m good. I’m just going to try to make those plays.”

Two plays later, outside linebacker Dante Fowler had a sack and a forced fumble.

“He’s been playing hard, busting his (expletive) off each and every day,” Moreau said of Fowler. “We see it at practice and we feed off of that.”

Moreau believes the defense is making strides after giving up 32 points to the Eagles and 34 of the 48 points to Tampa Bay, though one short scoring drive probably shouldn’t be on the defense’s ledger. Tipped passes led to two interceptions for touchdowns.

“We are coming together as a group,” Moreau said. “Understanding how we need to play. We are gaining trust in each other, and it’s starting to show.”

Moreau saw his playing time decrease over time in Washington. He played 840 snaps (81%) in 2018. He played 664 snaps (59%) in 2019 and only 156 snaps (15%) in 2020. The Falcons’ new regime, which included former Washington executive Kyle Smith, went after Moreau in free agency. He signed a one-year, $1.27 million contract.

“Throughout my career I’ve always been bouncing inside and out,” Moreau said. “Never really got to stay in one position. This is my first year of really doing that. Just getting the amount of reps and playing.”

Moreau believes his playing his best ball of his career.

“Everything is starting to slow down for me,” Moreau said. “I’m getting more comfortable at it. Each and every rep is valuable to me. I value every play in this game, just to be able play. I’m blessed to play this game.”

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Atlanta Falcons Schedule

Eagles 32, Falcons 6

Buccaneers 48, Falcons 25

Falcons 17, Giants 14

Washington FT at Falcons, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.

New York Jets vs. Falcons in London, Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

Bye Week

Falcons at Miami Dolphins, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.

Here’s the rest of full schedule