As the Atlanta Falcons gear up for training camp this summer, all eyes are on the defensive side, particularly the battle brewing among their inside linebackers.
Leading the charge is Kaden Elliss, entering his seventh year with the Falcons after signing a hefty three-year, $21.5 million contract last offseason. Elliss showed his mettle in his debut season, racking up an impressive 122 tackles and four sacks across 17 games. His place as a starter seems secure, but who will complement him on the field?
Which player starts next to Kaden Elliss for The Falcons in 2024?
Troy Andersen
Troy Andersen, a second-round pick from Montana State in 2022, has shown flashes of brilliance since entering the league. His rookie campaign was promising with 69 tackles and a forced fumble, but a shoulder injury cut short his 2023 season after a promising start. Known for his blazing speed—clocking a jaw-dropping 4.42 40-yard dash at the combine—Andersen’s athleticism is a standout feature that could sway the starting decision in his favor.
Nate Landman
On the other hand, Nate Landman, an undrafted gem from the University of Colorado in 2022, has steadily impressed. Initially making his mark on special teams, Landman seized his opportunity in 2023 due to Andersen’s injury, finishing with 110 tackles, two sacks, and multiple game-changing plays. His reliability and playmaking ability have earned him respect among teammates and coaches alike.
Both Andersen and Landman have forged a strong bond since their rookie year, regularly dissecting game film and pushing each other to excel. Andersen praises Landman as a “tremendous player” and a throwback to old-school linebacker prowess.
With a new defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake, at the helm, the Falcons are poised to unveil a base 3-4 defense this season, suggesting two inside linebackers will feature prominently. Head coach Raheem Morris hints at possible configurations featuring three linebackers, adding another layer of intrigue to the starting lineup debate.
As the Falcons prepare for the season opener, the competition for the starting spot alongside Elliss remains wide open. With training camp looming, all eyes will be on how Andersen and Landman perform under the new defensive regime, shaping the Falcons’ defensive identity for the 2024 season.
