Perhaps the biggest surprise in the NFL this year has been the performance of the Atlanta Falcons' defense. Heading into Week 5, Atlanta has the stingiest run defense in the league by far and the Falcons have generated more pressures than any other team despite missing several key pieces up front.
The back end of Atlanta's defense hasn't gotten as much attention but there are some strong performers to be found there, as well. This unit suffered a big loss a couple weeks ago when cornerback A.J. Terrell suffered a groin injury that put him on IR. The Falcons have been starting C.J. Henderson in his place and so far he's played extremely well.
Going Into tonight's Sunday Night Football matchup with the Baltimroe Ravens, Seth Walder at ESPN is predicting
a huge play from Henderson.
"Falcons CB C.J. Henderson will record an interception. Henderson has been in tight coverage -- within 1 yard of the receiver he's matched up against -- 22% of the time, per NFL Next Gen Stats, fourth best among outside corners with at least 100 coverage snaps."
Henderson has just four career interceptions and 25 passes defensed total in 39 games. While it would come as a surprise if Henderson notched a pick, he has played tight coverage this year.
Henderson has already been targeted 35 times this season, allowing 20 catches (57.1%), 206 yards, one touchdown and a passer rating of 83.7, which would be a career-best if you don't count the four games he played for the Falcons last season (79.0).
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN predicts big play for Falcons corner vs. Ravens
