Falcons' Arthur Smith Praises Troy Andersen, Kaden Elliss Versatility

Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss may give the Atlanta Falcons more versatility schematically.

The Atlanta Falcons' 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers saw the debut of their new inside linebacker pairing, Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss. 

A redeeming quality of both starting inside linebackers for the Falcons is their versatility. Elliss and Andersen both possess the ability to line up in a number of different positions for the Falcons defense, which was on display at times on Sunday. 

Elliss made a name for himself in New Orleans as a subpackage edge rusher for the Saints, as now Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen got to see up close as a member of the coaching staff then.

"He’s a very, very smart player," Smith said of Elliss. "It was good. It was like a boxing match a little bit up front, a couple jabs thrown, and then you get that two-touchdown lead, and in the obvious passing situations, we made them pay. I don’t think he [Bryce Young] had very many clean looks in the pocket in that fourth quarter, so that was good by our guys.”

This ability to be able to play on the frontline of the defense is something that the Falcons also see the potential for Elliss's partner Andersen, according to coach Arthur Smith.

"A guy that size with instinct and speed, that can cover – legitimately cover – tight ends and [running] backs that allows you to do different things schematically in the backend," Smith said. "And then he’s a good rusher because he’s physical at the point of attack. You get into some of the big games as a rusher, he can collapse the pocket."

Andersen showed this in the 24-10 win against the Panthers as he recorded the first sack of the game on Bryce Young in the fourth quarter.

Sunday @troy_andersen highlights are frequent 👀pic.twitter.com/zuvLXqdXGz

— Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) September 10, 2023

After not getting much pressure on Young in the first three quarters, the Falcons' defense started to affect him in the last 15 minutes following the sack from Andersen, as they'd sack him two more times on the way to the 24-10 win. 

As for Andersen, his first season-opener saw him finish tied for the team-high in tackles with Jessie Bates at 10, as he'd also get credit for a half sack and one tackle for a loss. 

Elliss and Andersen hope to lead the Falcons to another victory Sunday when the Green Bay Packers come to town. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.