Story by
Falcons Will Not Change Role of Young Rookie Playmaker Despite Struggles
- Story by
- Falcons Will Not Change Role of Young Rookie Playmaker Despite Struggles
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Atlanta Falcons are headed into a huge game this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers where a win would be massive now that they are sitting at 2-4 and going up against an undefeated squad.
To win a game like this, everyone has to raise their level of play and turnovers are unacceptable. Atlanta has struggled with some sloppiness as of late in this area, and one guy who has been coughing it up is their electrifying playmaker Zachariah Branch. While he has not yet made a huge impact on offense, Branch is the main return man on punts and kicks, but he had a rough day against the Chicago Bears.
Advertisement
Fumbling twice on returns, Branch was a huge reason for the loss, and while there will be a bigger spotlight on him now, the Falcons are not planning on benching him or changing his role. Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke to the media this week and said Branch is going to keep the same role he has had as he tries to work through whatever went wrong last week.
Branch Will Still Serve as Special Teams Ace
Stefanski spoke to the media before practice on Wednesday and said he has no plans of benching Branch or shrinking his role, instead choosing to put faith in his player who made a couple of mistakes.
If the Falcons are going to do what they want to this year and in the seasons moving forward, Branch is going to be a key part of the plan, and Stefanski clearly is keenly aware of that fact. Atlanta drafted him for a reason, and it's because they believe he is capable of becoming a great player in this league.
Advertisement
Simply benching a young player after a couple of mistakes can often be the quickest way to ensure that never happens, and while the growing pains can be frustrating, it's simply part of the process.
Branch has the kind of playmaking ability you cannot teach, and while he has to clean up the issues, the Falcons need him to be a part of things for this team. Perhaps the trust from his teammates and coaching staff even after some mistakes could be exactly what Branch needs to get to the next level.
He will be watched very closely this weekend especially in the return game, but it would not be a surprise to see Branch wind up having a great game against the 49ers.
