FLOWERY BRANCH -- James Sanders is getting fluent in speaking the Falcons defense.
The safety, signed as a free agent in August after six seasons with the Patriots, had 10 solo tackles against the Texans on Sunday.
“Coming here from New England, it was like night and day,” Sanders said. “It was like learning a whole new language. It just took time for me to get adjusted. Now I’m getting there."
Sanders has started in place of William Moore the past four games. Once Moore fully recovers from lower-body injuries, the Falcons coaching staff will need to choose who plays.
“Sanders has done very good, in terms of what he’s done while he’s been in there,” coach Mike Smith said Monday. “So we’ll have a decision to make as William gets healthier in terms of who’s going to play at that position.”
Sanders stepped in after Moore suffered a quadriceps injury against the Colts in November. Moore, who started the first eight games, was inactive the next two games. Although he was active the past two games, he did not play. Smith revealed Monday that Moore also suffers from a groin injury and the team will bring him along slowly.
Sanders, who also started the second game of the season in place of Thomas DeCoud, the other safety, said his comfort level with the new defensive scheme has evolved from repetition.
Sanders has 32 tackles in the past four starts, including his season high on Sunday. He had nine tackles, six solo, the previous week against the Vikings.
“The last two weeks I felt extremely comfortable,” Sanders said. “I talk to the guys about it all the time. Each and every week I’m getting more comfortable and getting in more of a rhythm and a groove on the field.”
Sanders was at the center of a key play against the Texans when he picked up a loose ball and returned it for an apparent touchdown early in the first quarter. Texans quarterback T.J. Yates was hit as he attempted to throw a third-down pass. One official signaled incomplete pass but a whistle wasn't blown. Sanders picked up the football and returned it 90 yards.
“I didn’t hear the whistle so I ran over there like I always do if I see the ball on the ground and picked it up,” Sanders said. “I looked and saw the referee running down the field so I took off. I thought I scored there for a minute.”
The play was reviewed and officials confirmed a fumble. However, offsetting illegal substitution penalties were called as players and coaches from both teams were on the field. The Falcons took over at their own 35-yard line. Three plays later, quarterback Matt Ryan was intercepted. The Falcons came away with no points.
Roddy White joked that there were “80 players and coaches” on the field on the play. Smith wasn’t so lighthearted.
“It’s something that we’ve already addressed in terms of how we’re going to handle it and make sure that there’s not players and coaches on the field when the play is still going on because that could have been a very big play for us,” Smith said.
In 11 games, Sanders has 42 tackles, 33 solo, and a fumble recovery and two passes defensed. He was inactive against the Panthers with a hamstring injury in October. He figures to continue his increased role on Sunday in the rematch with the Panthers.
“I played well, but you can always improve,” Sanders said. “There were a couple plays out there that I’d like to have back. No one is perfect. It’s a tough game that we play but you try to go out there and give it your all.”
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