Linebackers Brooks Reed and Justin Durant were added in free agency to help put some teeth back in the Falcons’ defense.
Reed, who played inside and outside linebacker with the Houston Texans for four seasons, signed a five-year, $22 million contract, with $9 million guaranteed. Durant, a second-round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007, signed a three-year, $10.8 million contract.
Reed, who’s battling back from an offseason groin injury, is playing strongside linebacker and Durant at weakside linebacker.
After the first minicamp practice Tuesday, Reed put in some extra running work as he tries to work himself back into football shape. He took part in some of the individual drills. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said the team will ramp up his work with an eye toward having him at full strength for training camp.
“The next jump is all the way into practice,” Quinn said. “We’re following protocol, and he’s worked extremely hard to get back and ready.”
Quinn has noticed how hard Reed is working to round back into form.
“It’s been awesome having him back in the fold,” Quinn said. “You feel his intensity. You feel his toughness from just being out there. He’s got that kind of style, attitude and swagger about him.”
Reed has accepted Quinn’s challenge to turn in a super offseason.
“He wasn’t joking,” Reed said. “As long as I’ve been playing football, this team has the highest expectations that I’ve ever seen. It’s a good thing. Everyone is out here trying to everyone better and compete. That’s what these camps are all about, to make each other better and really kind of set the tune for (training) camp.”
Reed had his choices during free agency, but was attracted to the Falcons because of the need at his position and Quinn’s defensive mentality.
“For me, it’s a lot different,” Reed said. “For my whole career I’ve only had offensive-minded head coaches. This year, it’s different. He’s a defensive-minded head coach.”
Reed believes he’s on the way to fully recovering from the groin injury.
“It’s unfortunate that I’ve been kind of held back a little bit with the setback of the groin,” he said. “I look to have a strong offseason after this and kind of get going into (training) camp.”
Reed also likes that he’s going to have the opportunity to settle into one position on the defense.
“It’s pretty easy for the outside linebackers in this scheme,” Reed said. “We are not playing that many things. … At outside linebacker, you have to be able to pass rush, play the run and be able to drop in coverage.
“I know that I can do all three of those things. Right now, it’s just all about kind of refining my skills and getting the playbook down.”
Reed was drafted in the second round (42nd overall) in 2011 by the Texans, who selected J.J. Watt with the 11th pick of the first round. He started 52 of 60 games alongside Watt, who blossomed into one of the NFL’s stars.
“The guy really makes it a point for him to beat everyone in anything,” Reed said. “Video games, anything in life really, he’s that kind of competitive guy really. That’s what makes him great. He never gives up on the play. That’s kind of what I took from him.”
Durant, who’s battled injuries over his career, projects to replace Sean Weatherspoon, who signed with Arizona in free agency.
Durant has started 80 of 95 games over eight seasons, in which he also played for the Lions and the Cowboys. Durant is getting used to his new position.
“I think that I’m playing more outside than I normally played,” Durant said. “Once I get a little more accustomed to it then I’ll be all right.”
Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith has been pleased with Durant’s play.
“He’s got great leadership ability by his actions and by his words with the way he studies the game,” Smith said. “I’ve been very impressed with the way he’s approaching everything.”
