Maason Smith’s Breakout Helps Make Falcons-Jaguars Trade Look Even Better

Smith sparks Atlanta’s defense

Smith finished Sunday with two tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hit and a forced fumble. His work helped the Falcons pressure San Francisco and produce turnovers against an offense that had not lost a game.

Atlanta had stressed the importance of winning the turnover battle, aware that the 49ers also had a strong record of forcing takeaways. Smith said the defense focused on attacking the ball while following its plan.

A rare player-for-player swap

Atlanta obtained Smith in an offseason trade that sent Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars. The deal was unusual because it exchanged players from the same position, draft round and draft year.

A step forward for Smith

Smith entered the matchup with four tackles across Atlanta’s first six games. His showing against San Francisco raised his season totals to nine tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit and one forced fumble.

The performance offers Smith a chance to build consistency along the defensive line. His pressure and ability to help create turnovers could matter as Atlanta tries to climb the standings.

Falcons turn toward Week 8

Smith said the win should provide momentum, not mark an endpoint. Atlanta will seek to carry its defensive intensity into its Week 8 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Just use it as momentum, man, going into next week,” Smith said, adding that the team should keep growing after returning to the win column.