NFL Player News

Baun tallied six total tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Chiefs.

The Wisconsin product was relatively productive in Week 2, tying rookie Andrew Mukuba for the third-most tackles on the Eagles' defense. Baun was one of the best inside linebackers in the league last season, recording 151 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and four passes defended over 16 regular-season contests. He'll continue to fill a key role when Philadelphia hosts the Rams in Week 3.

Dorlus finished with three tackles (one solo), including 1.5 sacks, during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

Dorlus was a 2024 fourth-round pick but appeared in only two games as a rookie. Zach Harrison and David Onyemata are the Falcons' top defensive linemen, while Dorlus is splitting snaps with Ruke Orhorhoro and LaCale London. In that role, Dorlus has played just under 50 percent of Atlanta's defensive snaps through two games. This could be a sign of things to come for Dorlus, but unless he starts seeing more snaps, it'll be difficult for him to replicate this type of production consistently.

Harrison posted five tackles (two solo), including 1.5 sacks, and forced a fumble during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

After operating as a rotational option through his first two seasons, Harrison has carved out a more consistent role in 2025, playing at least 55 percent of Atlanta's defensive snaps in each of the first two weeks. He totaled only 4.0 sacks in 33 games over his first two seasons, so his splash plays Sunday were surprising. Harrison's strip-sack of Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy on the first play of the fourth quarter was the turning point for the Falcons.

Bowman recorded four tackles (two solo) and an interception during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

Bowman, Jalon Walker, James Pearce and Xavier Watts have all carved out strong roles as rookies, and the Falcons' defense appears to be significantly improved because of the new additions. They all flashed during Sunday night's defense-centric game, which saw Bowman and Watts each notch their first career interceptions. Bowman has 10 tackles (four solo), including 0.5 sacks, and two pass deflections through his first two NFL games.

Watts recorded two tackles (one solo) and an interception during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

Watts didn't test well at the NFL Combine, but his instincts were lauded after a decorated career at Notre Dame, which included two All-American honors. Those instincts were on full display during training camp, as the rookie third-round pick carved out a starting role. Watts hasn't slowed down to start his NFL career, recording three pass deflections in two games, including his first career interception during primetime. The Falcons' defense looks to be significantly improved in 2025, thanks to surprise performances from starting rookies like Watts, Jalon Walker, James Pearce, and Billy Bowman.

Franklin recorded five total tackles (three solo) and one pass defended in Sunday's 29-28 win over the Broncos.

Franklin, who averaged nearly 10.4 total tackles per game from 2022 to 2024, has tallied just nine stops through his first two contests this season. The Syracuse product was on the field for every defensive snap in the Colts' Week 2 win but finished fifth on the team in total tackles. He will look to generate his usual high-volume production when the Colts travel to Tennessee in Week 3.

McCloud recorded zero receptions on two targets during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

After playing 73 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps in Week 1, McCloud was on the field for only 23 percent during Sunday Night Football. There were multiple factors in McCloud's diminished role. Darnell Mooney made his season debut against Minnesota after missing Week 1 due to a shoulder injury, which pushed McCloud down the depth chart. Plus, the Falcons focused more on the run during Sunday's defensive-dominated game, as QB Michael Penix threw only 21 times in Week 2 compared to 42 attempts in Week 1. Drake London, Mooney, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson will demand targets weekly, so if the Falcons are throwing it fewer than 25 times per game, it'll be difficult for McCloud to deliver consistent production.

Mooney caught two of four targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

After missing Week 1 due to a shoulder injury, Mooney didn't have an injury designation heading into Sunday Night Football. He played 57 of 66 offensive snaps during his season debut, which led Atlanta's WRs (Drake London finished with 56). Despite being on the field often, Mooney failed to haul in either of his targets in the first half, and both of his receptions came within three plays during the Falcons' first drive of the second half. The run game was the clear emphasis for Atlanta during Sunday's defensive-dominated game, as Falcons QB Michael Penix attempted only 21 passes after throwing 41 times Week 1. Mooney is the clear No. 2 wideout behind London and will look to get more involved against the Panthers in Week 3. However, it'll be difficult for any pass catchers to deliver consistent production if the Falcons are pushing 40 rushing attempts consistently.

Moehrig recorded nine total tackles (seven solo) during Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Cardinals.

Moehrig has been on the field for all 111 of Carolina's defensive snaps through two games, leading the team in total tackles for the second consecutive week. The first-year Panther is on pace to easily surpass his previous single-season high of 104 total tackles, having already recorded 20 this year. Moehrig is expected to remain one of the Panthers' top defensive playmakers in a Week 3 divisional matchup against the Falcons.

Fitzgerald converted on his only field-goal attempt and his lone extra-point try in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Cardinals.

Despite the Panthers scoring three touchdowns in Week 2, Fitzgerald attempted just one extra point, with Carolina electing to attempt two-point conversions on each of its first two scores. The 25-year-old also connected on a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter of Sunday's loss, cutting Arizona's lead to seven points at the time. He will look to remain perfect when the Panthers host the Falcons in Week 3.