South Fulton Today

Although the Atlanta Falcons lost to the San Fransico 49ers 13-31 Dec. 19 at the Levi's Stadium in California, Falcons’ wide receiver Russell Gage shined in the team’s defenses.

Gage started playing for the Falcons in 2018 — they’re also the first team he’s played for in the NFL.

“That brings energy to the team, and that was a heck of a catch,” safety Duron Harmon said on the team’s website. “It’s good to see Russ steadily improving, getting more and more comfortable, and each week he comes up with a big catch every week.”

This season for Gage hasn’t been great, including his high ankle sprain during the Falcons’ game against Tampa Bay.

Gage's opportunity to grow into a bigger part of the offense came after the Falcons dealt Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones in the offseason, the website said.

“I understand I play a big role in this offense,” Gage said on the website. “So my confidence is already there. I’m just thinking about how we can win.”

Gage has caught at least six receptions and had over 60 yards in his last four games, the website said.

“At this point, I’m trying to make the playoffs,” Gage told ESPN. “That’s the biggest thing for me. I think I expressed this before, I love winning, and I would love to be in the playoff atmosphere."

One of Gage's catches against San Francisco landed on ESPN's Top 10 plays, according to the team website.

“I just think he’s done a great job of staying in the scheme, doing exactly what we’re asking him to do,” Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan said to ESPN. “Not trying to do too much. Trying to be open in the timing of the play. 

“We talked about that all the time. We love you to get awesome separations, but it’s got to be within the timing of the scheme.”