FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons rookie defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who has been steadily improving, has earned some more playing time in the defensive line rotation.
“I think it’s the quickness that you really see from Grady,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said on Monday. “On that tackle for loss you certainly saw his quickness. We certainly need to get him some more turns. He’s improving week after week.”
Jarrett played 13 of 72 snaps (18 percent) against the Saints. He was disruptive and had a tackle.
“I just want to contribute,” Jarrett said. “Whenever they call my number, I’m going to try to be ready. I definitely plan to show them that I can play so they can have more trust in me and put me out on the field. That’s just kind of where I’m at in this process. I’m going to go with the flow and keep working.”
Jarrett, who was taken in the fifth round of the draft out of Clemson, has played 95 snaps and has one quarterback hit and one hurry. Quinn has been impressed with his development.
“No. 1, he came in in great shape and he had a really good knowledge of the defense and he just won’t back down as a competitor,” Quinn said. “He’s got great….All of the things that you want in terms of trying to improve and trying to get better. He does all of that. I think every time that he plays, he’s just going to keep getting better.”
Jarrett has been soaking up the teachings of defensive line coach Bryan Cox.
“Just playing my game and adapting to what my coaches are teaching me,” Jarrett said. “I’m adjusting to the speed of the game on this level. I feel like the more I play, the better results I get. I’m just getting more comfortable.”
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