Falcons rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley, who was selected in the first round (26th overall) of the 2017 draft, played 14 snaps in his NFL debut against the Bears.
He had two tackles and two quarterback hurries off of bull-rushes.
“I really felt his speed off the edge,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “In particular, one play where it was a pass that was thrown and he came out of the stack to make a tackle. Those are the plays that are really his style. It’s quintessential Takk Mckinley speed, effort, and toughness.”
Against the Bears, the Falcons stayed in the base defense for more than 51 percent of their 67 defensive snaps.
“We didn’t play as much nickel in this game as we do normally, and I anticipate that his reps will ramp up each week as we go,” Quinn said.
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