Falcons' Nate Landman 'Stepped Up' For Injured Troy Andersen in Win vs. Packers

Nate Landman made a difference in the Atlanta Falcons' win over the Green Bay Packers.

Nate Landman seized his opportunity on Sunday afternoon in lieu of the injured Troy Andersen.

Landman was called upon to fill this vacant linebacker spot for the Atlanta Falcons in their 25-24 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, and he drew praise from head coach Arthur Smith after the win.

The linebacker out of Colorado joined the Falcons in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, but he saw some action last season, seeing the field in seven games a season ago. On Sunday, he tallied four total tackles, three of which were solo.

"I thought Nate Landman stepped up," Arthur Smith said. "That's our team. That's why we continue to -- I told you guys in camp, why we develop guys, why we mix and match. Just proud of these guys.

"We don't -- again, that's why we continually, look, credit to the entire staff, personnel staff, football staff, and there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes," Arthur Smith said. "We believe in developing and those post-draft spots, any spot a guy gets on our 90 is important. Nate is a great football player. He's instinctive. He's heavy handed. Played a little bit last year for us."

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Nate Landman makes a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Andersen's injury is not one to be taken lightly by Falcons fans as he saw the field in 17 games a season ago, racking up 69 tackles in the process. Still, if names like Landman can fill the shoes when injuries inevitably come for Atlanta this season, that's a good sign for the 2-0 Falcons as they compete in the NFC South.

"But that's what we are," Smith said. "When you've got a real team and guys believe they all have a chance, things happen. Glad Nate stepped up today.” 

Landman and the Falcons look to improve to 3-0 when they take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.