Every Saturday during the regular season, we will feature a member of the Atlanta Falcons' special teams. This week, it's veteran defensive back Charles Godfrey, who has embraced his role on special teams while getting up to speed on defense:
When veteran defensive back Charles Godfrey joined the Falcons a few weeks back, he came in with a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team.
His mindset hasn't changed.
Godfrey grew accustomed to a regular role on defense after starting 72 of 73 games with Carolina at the beginning of his career. But as he continues to adjust to his new surroundings in Atlanta, Godfrey knows the most immediate impact is likely to be on special teams.
"I want to compete; I'm a competitor," Godfrey said. "Any way I can get that opportunity to do that, I will. I'm still working on defense. It's still a process. You have to learn the defense, get up to speed with everything. That's where I'm at now.
"On special teams, I'm ready to go. They've got me on a couple special-teams roles, so that's what I'll be playing. I'm taking them at running with them."
Godfrey played nine special teams snaps last week versus his former team, the Panthers. The Falcons have him on kickoff return and punt return, and he has a backup role on kickoffs.
"Wherever I'm needed, I'll be playing," Godfrey said. "And I'll give 100 percent."
Although he's played special teams at various times in the past, Godfrey has never been alongside a return man as dynamic as NFL record-setter Devin Hester.
"He's great," Godfrey said. "He's going to go down in history as one of the best returners to play the game. When you're playing with someone like that, you just want to help out as much as you can. So that's what I'll be doing."
Falcons coach Mike Smith appreciates Godfrey's approach.
"The thing about Charles is he gives us a lot of flexibility," Smith said. "He can be on the 'Big Four' (punt, punt cover, kickoff, kickoff cover). He really got his most significant playing time last week. The other thing that he does give us is, he gives us flexibility because he's played safety, corner, and nickel. And right now, we are down a corner for a short period of time.
"Charles is a guy that's going to do whatever he can to help us win. I think he showed that by coming in here and learning our system and getting an opportunity to contribute on special teams fairly quickly."