Falcons nickel back Robert McClain is on the hot season Sunday.
New England quarterback Tom Brady makes great use of his slot receivers and likely will target McClain, who has struggled in coverage after a strong 2012 season.
McClain will spend some time covering wide receiver Julian Edelman, who leads New England with 27 catches for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Danny Amendola, signed to take Wes Welker’s place, may return to action.
“We have to be ready for what they throw out because Edelman, he’s pretty much been their guy,” McClain said. “We have to be ready for any type of routes he’s going to run. If Amendola is going to play, I have to be ready for that, too.”
If McClain continues to struggle, rookie Robert Alford or reserve Dominique Franks could earn some snaps at the nickel position.
“He’s challenged every time he’s in the (nickel) package,” Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said. “How he’ll be challenged by Brady will just be the uniqueness of Tom. Tom has extremely good accuracy. He knows where he wants to go with the ball and all of those things. Other than that, he’s got the challenge of covering the guy that he’s on. That could change up as well this week.”
McClain had a big interception last season against Denver’s Peyton Manning. He won’t be in awe of Brady.
“We have to disrupt the quarterback in every possible way that we can,” McClain said. “Tom Brady is very smart, and he shows it every game of every year.”
