The Atlanta Falcons are heading into Week 16 with a big question mark hanging over their secondary. With Mike Hughes officially ruled out due to a sprained ankle suffered in last week’s dramatic win over the Buccaneers, and A.J. Terrell coming off arguably his toughest outing of the season, the pressure is mounting on a defense that’s about to face a quietly dangerous Arizona offense.
Let’s start with the obvious: Hughes’ absence is a blow. The veteran corner was injured during the Falcons’ 29-28 comeback win in Tampa Bay, and once he exited, the drop-off in coverage was noticeable.
Cobee Bryant, the next man up, struggled in relief. That’s not entirely surprising-he was thrown into the fire against Mike Evans, who was back from injury and looked every bit the All-Pro receiver he’s been throughout his career.
Now, with Hughes sidelined again, Bryant is expected to start. This will be his first real shot at extended action, and it comes at a critical juncture.
The 24-year-old has only appeared in four games so far, and this Sunday will mark his first NFL start. That’s a big leap, especially against an Arizona offense that has found a rhythm lately.
Trey McBride has emerged as the Cardinals’ go-to option in the passing game, but don’t sleep on Michael Wilson. The third-year wideout from Stanford has been heating up in recent weeks, stepping up in a big way with Marvin Harrison Jr. out.
There’s a chance Harrison returns this week, which would only make things tougher for Atlanta’s secondary. If that happens, expect Bryant to primarily line up against Wilson, with Dee Alford handling nickel duties.
For Atlanta, the concern isn’t just about who’s on the field-it’s how they’re playing. Terrell had a rough go last week, and while he’s still the team’s top corner, his struggles in coverage have raised some eyebrows.
As for Bryant, the tools are there-he flashed potential in the preseason and drew some early buzz-but the regular season has been a different story. According to Pro Football Focus, his 28.7 coverage grade ranks among the lowest for qualified corners, with only A.J.
Terrell and D.J. Reed posting worse numbers.
That said, Sunday offers Bryant a golden opportunity. This isn’t just about filling in-this is a chance to prove he belongs.
Every young cornerback takes lumps early on, especially when facing elite talent. But if Bryant can settle in, hold his own, and show growth from last week’s trial by fire, he could start carving out a long-term role in this defense.
The Falcons will need more than just a solid showing from their secondary. Kirk Cousins is coming off one of his most efficient starts of the year, and Atlanta’s offense looks poised to keep rolling against a shaky Arizona defense. But make no mistake-the outcome of this game could hinge on how well the Falcons’ defense, and particularly Bryant, hold up against a Cardinals team that’s more dangerous than their record might suggest.
It’s a big moment for the undrafted rookie. The stage is set. Now it’s time to see if Cobee Bryant can rise to it.