‘It’s a Great Story’: Falcons Excited by Nathan Landman’s Development

Second-year linebacker Nathan Landman has emerged as a key defensive piece for the Atlanta Falcons.

While the lack of development from quarterback Desmond Ridder has sent the second-year signal caller back to the bench and may endanger the job of coach Arthur Smith, it hasn't all been negative for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. 

Among the positive things to transpire for the Falcons in 2023, has been the emergence of inside linebacker Nathan Landman. For his part, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen says he isn't surprised by an impressive second NFL season from the former undrafted free agent. 

Nate Landman / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

“No because he was doing it in OTAs," Nielsen said of Landman. "He started making plays in OTAs. We had talked about him back in OTAs. This is a guy that was punching the ball out, always around the ball, had to make the most of every opportunity, stayed in the right mindset, kept working, learned the defense. 

"Over time – it’s a great story – when you’ve been a part of this going all the way back to when we first started and the things he’s done to get ready to do what he’s doing on the football field, this was happening then," Nielsen added. 

After appearing in just seven games in his rookie season, Landman has become a key defensive piece for the Falcons in 2023. Across 13 games, Landman has recorded 86 combed tackles, six tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two sacks. 

"Guy is all over the place," Nielsen continued. "He’s a good leader. He’s in the huddle. Last week, we were out there, and him and Jessie [Bates] a couple of times before we went out on the field, getting the guys hyped up and ready to go. He does all of those things for us. This is pretty cool with where he started in OTAs and things that he was doing has just transpired into what you’re seeing right now. He’s just kept working.”

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Nielsen is only in his first season as defensive coordinator for the Falcons, but his future job security may be riding on the ability of a 6-8 Atlanta team to find a way to win out and capture the NFC South title over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. Such is your life when you take a job as a defensive coordinator with an offensive coach who doesn't seem to have a long-term plan at quarterback and has struggled to consistently involve the talented young skill-position players at his disposal. 

But whether this current coaching staff is back in 2024 or not, the 25-year-old Landman has done enough to earn himself a starting role with the team moving forward.