Falcons: Defense Coordinator Explains Excitement About Jeff Okudah

(Photo : Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) TAMPA, FLORIDA - Deven Thompkins (#83) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Jeff Okudah (#1) of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.

A foot injury left Atlanta Falcons fans waiting for Jeff Okudah a little longer after acquiring him from the Detroit Lions last summer.

The cornerback missed the first two games against the Carolina Panthers and the Greenbay Packers, but he is making up for the lost time as he has been playing splendidly since wearing the knits again.

Okudah's defense has been outstanding, limiting quarterbacks to just 46.9 passing rates, with him as the main defender of receivers.

This is why Falcons defense coordinator Ryan Nielsen can't help but be in awe of the player's recovery.

"I saw that in practice, and you're like 'Okay, now let's just keep progressing with that more during the game,' but that (Week 6 PBU) was like 'Man, gosh, he's back quick,'" he said.

For his part, Okudah said he is just continuing to be a student of the game, reading the plays on the field and reviewing them once the game is over.

Nielsen expects Okudah to get even better

Okudah is just 24 years old, and although he is coming off a major injury, Nielsen believes the player's dedication to the game can get him to another level.

"Even last game (against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) you felt it at times. He was all over the place," Nielsen said Thursday. "That's where you're thinking 'Oh, man. He's gonna take the next step and he will because he works at it."