Falcons’ Campbell takes over as signal-caller on defense
With middle linebacker Deion Jones injured, the Falcons shifted the signal-calling duties to strongside linebacker DeVondre Campbell against the Saints on Sunday.
“I had it once before last year,” Campbell said Thursday. “This was my second time doing it.”
Campbell has the green sticker on his helmet and communicates with the defense after receiving the signals from the coaches.
“It’s nothing; it’s easy to me,” Campbell said. “I’ve done it before, so it’s not like it’s a big adjustment.”
Duke Riley, who made 11 tackles against the Saints and didn’t miss any tackles, moved into the lineup with Jones down.
Campbell, a three-year starter, has more experience in the defense. With Jones out until at least Week 11, Cambell is comfortable taking on more of a leadership role on the defense.
Also, strong safety Keanu Neal (knee) and free safety Ricardo Allen (left Achilles) are out for the season with injuries.
“I think everybody knows what expected of them,” Campbell said. “With them guys being down, that means I have a little bit more responsibility, but it’s not (anything) that I can’t handle. Just have to take it a day at a time.”
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Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
