Falcons’ CBs Are Too Inexperienced

The Atlanta Falcons two starting corners are rookie AJ Terrell and three-year vet Isaiah Oliver. It will be a handful in Week 1 going against a top-three quarterback, a savvy veteran in Tyler Lockett, and one of the most physically imposing receivers in the league DK Metcalf. Although they had to go up against Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley in camp, this is a tough task for the young corners.

While they may be able to handle Locket and Metcalf initially, the issue is when the play breaks down. Lockett is one of the league’s smartest wide receivers. He and Wilson have undeniable chemistry. Lockett always knows where to go to get open. Opposite of Lockett, Metcalf is just so hard to contain. He is too big and physical to bump up and play in tight coverage.

As the season got on it was clear how much smarter he was becoming. If last year’s playoffs are any indication, Metcalf could be in for a monster season. Coming off a record-breaking rookie debut performance in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Eagles, he could be ready to make another leap.

If this game were later in the year, the Falcons’ corners would have a better chance with these Seahawks receivers. However, because it is Week 1 and because they’ve yet to see any in-game NFL action, these corners may struggle.

Look for Wilson to go at them and challenge them early. If the Seahawks wideouts get hot early on, it could hurt these young corners’ confidence. That would be a nightmare situation for the Falcons.