How Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels has found himself at center of team’s defense

Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels has emerged as a central figure in the team's defense, taking over green-dot play-calling duties. Just one week after being hospitalized and carted off the field with a neck injury against the Chicago Bears, Daniels returned to record a career-high 11 tackles and a game-sealing interception against San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

Selected in the fourth round out of Oklahoma, Daniels quickly impressed coaches with his football intelligence and communication skills despite managing lingering Achilles soreness. With linebacker Divine Deablo sidelined by an arm injury, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich entrusted Daniels with defensive play-calling responsibilities, where he now ranks among the team's leading tacklers.