With the Falcons thin at the linebacker position, they started backup strong safety Kemal Ishmael at weakside linebacker against the Broncos on Sunday.
He led the team with 10 tackles and had a pass defensed.
“It was kind of familiar,” Ishmael said. “Last year, we had some packages when I played it. This week I had a whole bunch of it. I was prepared. The coaches got me ready. I just went out there and played.”
Earlie in the week, when asked about playing linebacker, Ishmael keep the plan under wraps.
With De’Vondre Campbell (ankle), Sean Weatherspon (Achilles, out for season), Paul Worrilow (groin) and Deion Jones (ankle) all out because of injuries, the Falcons were thin at linebacker. They signed A.J. Hawk, who was active as an insurance policy.
Ishmael started for Weatherspoon/Campbell and LaRoy Reynolds started at middle linebacker.
Ishmael impressed the coaches with his play at strong safety when Keanu Neal missed the first two games with a knee injury.
“He’s one of our very best tacklers,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “We love to play zone a we can put him in different spots.”
So, with Ishmael starting, the Falcons had five defensive backs on the field in their base defense.
“Yeah, it’s rare that you get to see us out on the field at the same time,” Ishmael said. “So, being a base package and having us all on the field at the same time was amazing. It felt good. It looked good. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
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