The Atlanta Falcons made two notable moves ahead of Tuesday's deadline, trading safety Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars and sending center Ryan Neuzil to the Baltimore Ravens. While both trades will likely hurt the Falcons in the short term, they also create opportunities for others to step up.
DeMarcco Hellams, a former seventh-round pick who played well as a rookie, will replace Bates in the starting lineup. As for Neuzil's replacement, the Falcons will look to veteran offensive lineman Corey Levin to take over for the rest of the season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about the Neuzil trade and plan going forward during his Wednesday press conference.
"Obviously, love [Neuzil]," said Stefanski. "Great person, just felt like
this was an opportunity for our football team. And I'm comfortable and feel good about Corey Levin stepping in."
Stefanski was also asked about the decision to release veteran kicker Nick Folk and sign Jake Moody off of the Ravens' practice squad.
"I think with any decision you make, you talk about it a lot. Obviously, Matt, Ian, myself have talked a lot about different decisions. Again, Nick Folk is an outstanding human being - like, the best. I've enjoyed being around him. I've enjoyed just picking his brain on football but just felt like this was the best thing for our football team in this moment."
Folk is an experienced kicker but was having a nightmare season. Moody is relatively unproven but will look to make the most of his chance.
The Falcons have a big challenge coming up this Sunday when they host the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Stefanski talked about difficulty in preparing for a team like the Chiefs.
"Great challenge: the Kansas City Chiefs at our place," Stefanski said of Sunday's game in Atlanta. "Coach Reid does an outstanding job. I know a lot of their coaches really well. I know their staff and they're always prepared. It's a sound group. And then obviously you look up and down the roster at some of the players, it's a huge challenge so we have to have a great week of practice and preparation to get ready for this type of challenge."
Watch Stefanski's full Wednesday press conference below.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Kevin Stefanski expresses confidence in Falcons' new starting center
