Hageman not afraid to face Brees

Falcons defensive linemen Ra’Shede Hagemen, the team’s second-round draft pick, had a rough training camp based on the Hard Knocks episodes.

But defensive line coach Brian Cox said he thought Hageman, who flashed when he was playing hard, would be fine during the regular season.

“I’m just trying to keep my head down and keep moving forward,” Hagemen said.

It was not lost on Hageman, who will be a part of the defensive line rotation, that he’ll play his first NFL game against New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, one of the game’s top passers.

“He’s human at the end of the day,” Hageman said. “Our preparation (is key)… we have to study his weaknesses. We have to get pressure in the backfield and make plays.”

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