As the first week of training camp comes to a close, many of the starting roles have begun to take shape for the Atlanta Falcons.
The battle for the safety position across from six-year veteran Erik Coleman has all but been decided by Head Coach Mike Smith. Thomas DeCoud, in his second season, has made a strong case for himself.
"I think Thomas has played well during the OTAs and the offseason," Smith said Saturday following the open practice at the Georgia Dome. "Of course he's got a big challenge in front of him; he's penciled in to be our starter. I think he's up for the challenge."
With the team's decision not to re-sign veteran Lawyer Milloy, the safety position appeared to be up for grabs as training camp began.
The franchise spent a second-round draft pick on William Moore in 2009, with the expectation that he would come in and compete for the starting role right away.
DeCoud's position battle got a little easier when Moore was injured earlier in the week. Smith confirmed on Thursday that Moore will miss some time.
"William had a procedure done on his knee,” Smith said. “The procedure was done earlier today in response to an injury that occurred two days ago."
Decoud has shown the versatility that Smith wants from his safeties. In camp the 6', 190 pound safety has shown an ability to cover the pass, come up and play the run, and rush the passer.
The 27-year old Coleman, in his second season with the Falcons, started 16 regular season and the playoff loss. He proved to be a valuable member of the secondary, contributing 95 tackles and three interceptions.
While playing with the first team in camp, DeCoud has shown a confidence and an ability that has impressed his fellow safety.
"DeCoud has been flying around, making plays on the ball," Coleman said last Saturday.
The former California safety spent much of last season as a key member of the Falcons' special teams. He lined up at safety in ten games, finishing with six tackles.
Additional Training Camp coverage
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Comments
That's Chris Houston in the picture not Thomas DeCoud.
Pretty sure DeCoud doesn't have dreads. :]
Do you think he'll be an upgrade now, or develop into one in future seasons?
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