Earlier this week, the Atlanta Falcons added former Oakland Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin to the mix shortly after he was released by the team.
In his first practice with the Falcons, Irvin threw some shade at his former team by voicing “I'm Free, I'm Free,” according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of Atlanta Constitutional Journal.
#Falcons DE Bruce Irvin shouted “I’m free! I’m free” while walking out to his first practice with the team. pic.twitter.com/AvvGRO6PUK
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) November 8, 2018
Although this was a direct shot at his former team, it is clear that things had unraveled with the franchise that likely came to a head during this season under head coach Jon Gruden that has seen their 2018 campaign quickly unravel having lost seven of their first eight games that have put them all but out of the playoffs. There have been many internal issues that have arisen over this season that have also seen the notable departure of two key factors on the team in All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack and former Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Throughout his career, Irvin has shown he can be a factor behind his pass-rushing ability that has seen him total 40.0 sacks through his six-plus years in the league. He had notched 3.0 sacks and six tackles in eight games played this year with the Raiders, where he had garnered 15.0 sacks in his first two years with the team. He will have a chance to latch onto a major role with the Falcons, who have struggled to have a consistent pass rush ranking 27th with 17 sacks this season.
Atlanta has been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last few weeks currently riding a three-game win streak that has pushed them back into the playoff picture. Irvin has an opportunity to play a major part defensively over the second half of the season. He will get his first opportunity to make an impact on Sunday afternoon on the road against the Cleveland Browns.
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