Not a bad start, rookie.
Falcons’ free safety Damontae Kazee got his first career NFL start in Sunday’s game against the Bills. And like many players not far removed from college, there were some good moments and some not-so-good moments during the Falcons’ 23-17 loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The fifth-round pick out of San Diego State was filling in for Ricardo Allen who has not cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol after being injured in the fourth quarter the previous week.
Kazee finished with eight tackles (four solo, four assists), which was tied for the team lead and forced a fumble against the Bills. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just one catch for one yard when he was the primary defender and earned a game grade of 82.6.
“It was still a dream out there,” Kazee said. “I felt like I was still dreaming.”
Despite the excitement, Falcons’ coach Dan Quinn said he appeared calm and cool.
“You didn’t feel any of the rookie jitters, so to speak, in his first opportunity,” Quinn said. “I thought he looked really level-headed and communicated well.”
Kazee had made appearances in the Falcons’ first three games with just one tackle in limited time.
Like most rookies, Kazee admitted the speed of the game was much faster than practices. However, he said, he never felt overwhelmed. It has helped to have three-year veteran Allen nearby to make sure Kazee remembers all of his assignments.
“I look at Ricardo (Allen) like a big brother and he sits down with me and he goes over the plays with me. I respect that,” Kazee said. “During the game he will grab the iPad and run to me and show me where the fit is at and everything.”
Late in the third quarter, with the Bills in the red zone, Kazee came in at the proper height to tackle running back Mike Tolbert. In the process, Kazee’s shoulder dislodged the football from Tolbert’s left arm. The Bills jumped on the loose ball to keep the drive alive.
Five plays later with the ball now on the Falcons’ 2-yard line, Kazee helped Brian Poole and Robert Alford tackle wide receiver Jordan Matthews after a 1-yard gain, just short of the end zone.
With the extended playing time, Kazee was asked to help stop the Bills’ elusive running back LeSean McCoy and cover tight end Charles Clay. With the game tied at 17-17 in the fourth quarter, Kazee was late over the top to help linebacker Duke Riley cover Clay. The 34-yard reception set up the go-ahead field goal for the Bills.
“Tackling-wise he had a tough assignment at times on the [running] back and did a good job with that,” Quinn said. “For his first performance out, I was certainly pleased.”
Tackling, Kazee said, will be an area of focus during the Falcons’ bye week.
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