After giving up a fake punt for a touchdown against Kansas City, the Falcons’ specials team unit and fearless leader Eric Weems are on the hot seat this week.
Special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong was in a nasty mood after the loss because Kansas City’s Albert Wilson, who played at Georgia State, ran a direct snap on a fake punt 55 yards for a touchdown.
Weems was back as the returner. He took a bad angle and missed the tackle.
“Last week, the guys really, when you look at the core special teams, we blocked a kick, we kicked a 59-yard field goal and we got after the best returner (Tyreek Hill) in the league,” Armstrong said. “You have one bad play and it ruins everything.”
Weems, a former Pro Bowler as a special teamer, is having another strong season.
“He’s tough,” Armstrong said. “When he talks, he actually goes out and backs it up.”
Weems is averaging 23 yards on kickoff returns and 10.1 on punt returns. He also leads the Falcons with 10 special teams tackles.
“When you look at a guy like Weems, who’s beating double teams to make tackles,” Armstrong said. “As a returner, he finishes off every run, fights for extra yards and takes care of the ball. (He) makes good decisions and helps us out on the sideline with guys.
“He’s a motivational leader. He takes the position and the job seriously. He knows this is what keeps him in the league. This is his job. This is his profession and he’s a true professional, which is probably the highest compliment that you could give a guy.”
About the Author
