How Falcons can 'unlock' Troy Andersen this season

As things are right now the Falcons’ coaching staff and Falcons fans should feel good about their core of linebackers, especially in the middle, which include Nate Landman, Kaden Elliss, and third year linebacker Troy Andersen. However, earlier today on The Morning Shift Maria Martin, Mike Johnson, and Beau Morgan explained why they think Troy could do a lot more than just be an inside linebacker for the Falcons this season.

After seeing what Kaden Elliss was capable of as an inside linebacker last season, and knowing what Troy Andersen has shown he can do in his short time in the NFL, Beau Morgan believes the Falcons should explore letting Elliss be one of the primary inside linebackers alongside Nate Landman, and let Andersen use his athleticism to move around and play a couple of different positions on the defense.

“For me the guy that can be unlocked if they move him around is Troy Andersen, because you found something in Nate Landman. Nate Landman and Kaden Ellis could be in that middle, and then I think you can move Troy [Andersen] everywhere including maybe into where [Nate] Landman would play on passing situations as far as a guy that can cover because of his athleticism.”

It’s an interesting thought especially when you think about the Falcons outside linebacker situation where you have Lorenzo Carter who is solid, a guy that has shown flashes and gotten better every single season, but is still a bit unproven in Arnold Ebiketie, and a rookie in Bralen Trice who definitely could be a factor in year one, but you just can’t be sure what his production will look like in year one.

Having a guy who has the versatility to cover tight ends, and rush the passer off the edge could be a nice addition and boost to a Falcons pass rush that showed improvement last season, but still has a lot more to be desired.

The biggest thing for Troy Andersen this season is staying healthy. Andersen missed all but two games last season due to a pectoral injury, so if the Falcons’ young linebacker can stay healthy this season the sky's the limit for him, and the Falcons may want to seriously consider having Andersen be more than just a mic inside linebacker for Jimmy Lake’s defense