Massaquoi ready to return to action
Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi, who has 12.5 percent of the team’s sacks (2-of-16), pronounced himself fit and ready to chase around Saints quarterback Drew Brees for the pass-rush starved defense.
“I’m ready,” Massaquoi told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. “I feel good. Motivated. Spirit is good. Morale is good. It’s time to go make some (expletive) plays.”
Massaquoi, the Central Gwinnett High product who played at Troy, had played in all 13 games and made two starts was benched in a coaching decision against the Steelers. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said he wanted to Massaquoi practice better.
Massaquoi, who complained about his decreasing reps in the media, wasn’t exactly sure why he was benched.
“It could have happened for any number of reasons,” Massaquoi said. “There are so many factors that you really can’t pinpoint reasons. You just have to focus on you. And move forward. I’m ready for Sunday. It’s the first weekend of playoffs. I’m excited.”
Massaquoi, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, had two sacks and 21 tackles. The Falcons have just 16 sacks, which is last in the league.
Massaquoi’s best game of the season was against Baltimore on Oct. 19. He played 51 of 67 snaps (76 percent) against the Ravens and had six tackles, a tackle for a loss and two quarterback hits.
After that game, he played 37 snaps (49 percent) of the snaps against Detroit before being slowed by a foot injury.
He played just six special teams snaps against Tampa Bay and seven special teams snaps against Carolina.
Massaquoi returned to the defense against Cleveland and played 23 snaps (31 percent) snaps. He played 13 snaps (24 percent) against Arizona before playing seven snaps (10 percent) against Green Bay.
“I’m dealing with it well,” Massaquoi said. “I’m a resilient individual. I’ve always been a dirt dog. I’ve always had to work my way up to earn respect and get recognition. “
There apparently are no hard feelings.
“It’s no problem,” Massaquoi said. “I’m starting from the bottom. I’m going to get all of the reps that I can for our defense against our offense. I’m going to be prepped and ready to go. I’m going to be a changing factor in Sunday’s game. I’m ready.”
Massaquoi was sounding like a changes man.
“I feel more healthy,” Massaquoi said. “I feel more motivated. I feel as though my morale and spirits are back in the right direction. Hey, it’s playoff week. I’m excited and I’m enthusiastic. I’m ready to contribute.”
He did not enjoy his time on the bench.
“It was definitely tough,” Massaquoi said. “It definitely lowers one spirit and morale. Like I said, I did a lot of digging this weekend and these past two days.”
About the Author
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.
