Falcons LB Rashaan Evans Leads League in Tackles; Can He Top NFL at Season's End?

Rashaan Evans has been one of the most underrated players in the NFL this season. What's the secret behind the Atlanta Falcons linebacker's success?

Jeremy Brener | Nov 14, 2022

For the second straight year, the Atlanta Falcons could have the NFL's leading combined tackler.

After Foye Oluokun held that honor for the Falcons last season, Rashaan Evans could be the second Atlanta linebacker to lead the league in tackles in as many seasons.

Why? Because he brings something to the table that transforms the linebacker room in Atlanta.

"Rashaan's an aggressive, gritty guy, so he's brought that to the room," linebacker coach Frank Bush said. "He's a throwback linebacker in the sense of, his first option is to hit, his second is to hit and maybe the third one as well. But he's brought that grittiness and I think we needed it."

The linebackers represent one of the youngest position groups on the team with Arnold Ebiketie, Troy Andersen, DeAngelo Malone and Nate Landman all rookies. At 27 years old, despite it appearing like a young age, Evans is the oldest linebacker on the roster that consistently sees the field.

With a lot of new and young energy, Evans' "throwback" energy is a much-needed addition to the group.

"You need a veteran guy that still has some throwback mentality, that wants to go bang around and that's what linebackers do," Bush said. "He embraces that role, he likes doing it, and the other guys see it and try to emulate that."

Replacing the NFL's leading tackler in free agency was always going to be a tall task, but Evans is proving that he is up for the challenge.

Evans and the Falcons face the NFL's leading rush offense in the Chicago Bears on Sunday at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Published Nov 14, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.