The Falcons have a difficult road ahead of them as they travel to Buffalo this Sunday, then they host the Saints in the season finale at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Atlanta must win out, among other games around the league falling in their favor, to have any shot at the playoffs. But for now, there is a celebration before the likely onslaught the Bills will bestow.
In the final moments of Sunday’s victory over the Lions, Tim Boyle had Detroit at the ten-yard line in what looked like it was going to be a game-winning drive. I’d be lying if I said I believed the Falcons were going to come up with a stop. Against an undermanned Lions team, Atlanta, in fact, did come out of Week 16 with a win thanks to Foye Oluokun, who has been recognized for his heroics.
The Falcons now have two defenders who have been named Defensive Player of the Week in the NFC. Oluokun sealed Sunday’s victory against the Lions with an interception at the goal line and, rightfully so, be acknowledged by the league.
Foye tallied 14 tackles along with the pick, and he joins Deion Jones as winners, who won the award back in Week 7 following the Falcons win over the Dolphins. The former Yale Bulldog is having a solid year after making the position switch to MIKE this offseason — second in the league in tackles. He’s the leader of the defense, even if it seems he’s still learning it himself sometimes.
Oluokun is set to hit free agency this offseason and considering all the praise from teammates and coaches, there will be a push to bring him back. He could likely get $10 million on the open market by a desperate team, but if Terry Fontenot could get him back on a $7-9 million per year contract, I imagine that deal gets done.
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