Falcons’ Isaiah Oliver new secret weapon on defense

Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver tackles Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown during the third quarter Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver tackles Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown during the third quarter Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

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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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.