The Atlanta Falcons enter the new NFL season with Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as their defensive coordinator, bringing his firsthand linebacker experience to the role. Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss expressed enthusiasm about Ulbrich’s arrival, highlighting that having a coordinator who played his position offers a new perspective and support for the linebacker corps. The change reassures Elliss, who believes Ulbrich’s approach will alleviate some of the heavy defensive responsibilities linebackers faced previously.
Kaden Elliss Highlights Benefits of Ulbrich’s Linebacker Perspective
Elliss shared that this will be the first time his defensive coordinator truly understands the linebacker position from playing it himself. He feels this unique perspective will translate into better defensive schemes that reduce the burden on linebackers, especially when it comes to challenging coverage assignments. Elliss explained that coordinators with defensive line or defensive back backgrounds tend to place extra pressure on linebackers, but he anticipates Ulbrich will distribute defensive duties more evenly.
This is my first time, that I can recall off the top of my head, where my DC has been a linebacker at heart, a guy that played it and saw it from my shoes,
Elliss said, via Terrin Wack of the team’s site. I’m really excited about it.
Elliss further emphasized that Ulbrich’s system will protect linebackers from needing to cover top-tier receivers like Justin Jefferson by themselves, indicating a strategic shift in how the defense operates.
When you’re game-planning a team, sometimes the onus has to get put on a position group,
Elliss said.
I think, in my very biased eyes, that when defensive coordinators are D-line or DBs, they kind of gear things and put the tough jobs on the linebackers a little bit. I can already tell Brich is going to look out for us and make sure I don’t (cover) Justin Jefferson alone, you know what I mean? Those types of scenarios.
Head Coach Raheem Morris Praises Ulbrich’s Coaching Style
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris also spoke highly of Ulbrich’s methodical approach to coaching. Morris noted that Ulbrich maintains a clear focus during practice and clearly communicates his expectations to players. He compared the environment in Ulbrich’s room to the quarterback room, where every detail is purposeful and deliberate, underscoring the high level of preparation Ulbrich demands.
When he coaches, he has a real intentionality on what he’s coaching that day and what he wants to do and what he wants to get accomplished,
Morris said.
He’s not afraid to say it. He speaks with a high level of clarity to the guys. That’s what that kind of room is like. It’s almost like being in a quarterback room. It’s a really intentional day for quarterbacks every day. For wideouts, I might just go catch the rock. But it’s really intentional for those guys every single day.
Other Linebackers Impress Across the NFL
Meanwhile, outside the Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. has praised his teammate SirVocea Dennis for his football IQ and versatility on the field. Walker described Dennis as a special player capable of excelling in pass coverage, blitzing, and run defense, projecting a bright future for him in the league.
He will be a great player in this league for a very long time,
Walker said, via Brianna Dix of the team’s website.
We have been talking about it since I met him. The first day of OTAs, he made one of the best plays I have ever seen a linebacker make — including Lavonte David — he is special. He is very cerebral, he knows the game well and can really do everything on the field as a pass dropper, blitzer and as a run defender so, I am excited to see him.
Panthers’ Princely Umanmielen Aims to Prove His Value
In Carolina, third-round draft pick Princely Umanmielen has expressed determination to validate his place in the NFL after feeling overlooked during the draft. Umanmielen’s confident remarks about deserving first-round status highlight his drive to demonstrate his worth through effort and performance.
I just felt like I was a first-round talent, in my opinion. So, I was a little hot that I was sitting until the third round,
he stated, via Vashti Hurt of Carolina Blitz.
So it’s just proving myself right in the future. Just to come out here and put in the work just to show that I’m worth however much ‘breaking yo pockets’ is.
When asked if his comment about the team having to “break their pockets” for his next contract still stands, Umanmielen reaffirmed his stance with gratitude for the motivation it provides.
It does, for sure. Definitely, Umanmielen replied.
Even though I was a little blowed up about it, I’m still grateful at the same time because it gives me something to work for.
Implications for the Falcons Moving Forward
Jeff Ulbrich’s arrival as defensive coordinator signals a potential shift in the Falcons’ defensive philosophy, particularly benefiting linebackers like Kaden Elliss. His experience as a former linebacker and his intentional coaching style aim to balance defensive assignments more thoughtfully, which could enhance both individual player performance and overall defensive effectiveness. As the Falcons prepare for the season, fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Ulbrich’s leadership transforms the defense and impacts the competitiveness of the team.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kaden Elliss adopted?
A. The Elliss family has five biological children, including Kaden, and seven adopted children, like Colsen. This background inspired Kaden to work with Georgia Kids Belong. They are teaming up for the Falcons’ My Cause My Cleats game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Q. Who is Kaden Elliss father?
A. He is the son of Luther Elliss, a former Detroit Lions player. He played college football at the University of Idaho for the Vandals. He has three younger brothers, Christian, Noah, and Jonah, who also play professional football.