Falcons Are 'Underdogs' Ready to Prove They're Special, Says Grady Jarrett

Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett of the Atlanta Falcons has high expectations for what former divisional rivals David Onyemata and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen are bringing to the team.

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has a strong respect for new teammate and fellow lineman David Onyemata.

"The work ethic that he has, the leadership that he's shown working with the young guys, and I'm learning from him too - he's helping me because he has history working with coach Nielsen. So, when coach wants to see a certain thing, I can lean on David to show me,” Jarrett said.

Onyemata is no stranger to the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. They spent the past six years together with the New Orleans Saints. Now they’ve both joined their longtime rivals in Atlanta in what could be a two-team competition for the divisional crown.

“We're learning from each other, but I think the most fun part is going to be on Sundays when we're going to chase that quarterback together. It's a good match-up; we knew each other over the years, but to play with each other, that's going to be really special," Jarrett said.

If the pairing of Jarrett and Onyemata goes as expected, this defense truly could be in for a “special” season.

“For us to be able to put that together, I think that's going to be a match made in heaven," Jarrett said.

As two hungry veterans in their 30's, Onyemata and Jarrett will be expected to set a tone for the young guys in Atlanta this season and hopefully shock the world by ending up in the ultimate NFL heaven … the Super Bowl.

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