Time flies, especially in the NFL where rosters are constantly changing. For a team like the Atlanta Falcons, the changes have been drastic since hiring head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot in 2021.
The Falcons opened up their voluntary offseason program on Wednesday and while there were some absences, most of the team’s veteran players were in attendance. Among them was cornerback A.J. Terrell, who enters the season as one of the defense’s longest-tenured players despite being just 23 years old.
“That’s crazy,” said Terrell when asked about it on Wednesday. “That don’t even make sense. It is crazy though.”
Terrell is in this unique position as a result of the new regime’s sweeping changes. And while cleaning house was necessary, roster turnover takes away the continuity and chemistry players build through years of playing together. So it is up to guys like Terrell to build chemistry and lead the defense, despite still developing himself.
Fortunately, the team signed veteran Casey Hayward, giving Atlanta a formidable duo in the secondary and someone Terrell can lean on.
“He has played every position in the defensive secondary. He’s got so much knowledge, and he himself, just being a great player over the years.”
Asked about where he wants to improve his game, Terrell said he wants to become more versed in the defensive playbook and to be a better leader.
“Just getting the playbook down from a standpoint where I can understand everybody’s position just so I can play faster and be that ultimate leader on the defense.” Terrell also said he wants to be more vocal around his teammates, something he is still adjusting to.
“I’m not much of a vocal leader, but just doing everything the right way and saying something that needs to be said will carry a long way.”
