FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons rookie linebacker Troy Andersen made his second career start against the Saints on Sunday.

A key to the Baltimore game will be whether the Falcons can slow the Ravens’ rushing attack, so Andersen, with linebackers Rashaan Evans and Mykal Walker, will be on the hot seat for this game at 1 p.m. Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

“We like what Troy has been doing,” Falcons linebackers coach Frank Bush said. “He’s been trending for a long time. He’s played in lots of games for us. He’s made plays for us.”

Bush, Falcons coach Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Dean Pees noted that Andersen was part of the package they preferred to use against the Saints and running back Alvin Kamara and gadget player Taysom Hill.

“This was an opportunity for him to be the first guy out of the tunnel, I guess you could call it a starter,” Bush said. “We have packages. At any moment all three of those kids are out there at the same time.”

Andersen, a second-round pick out of Montana State, finished with seven tackles.

“It was a chance for him to go out with the first unit and run the first couple of plays,” Bush said. “We’re happy. The kid is doing a tremendous job.”

Andersen, who quietly goes about his business, has the respect of the veterans.

“I think Troy is going to be a great player,” defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said. “I think time will tell how good he is going to be. I’m excited to see him continue to grow.”

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Falcons assistant coach Frank Bush met with the media Tuesday and talked about filling in for defensive coordinator Dean Pees against the Saints.

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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 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Jan. 1 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, TBD

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