NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
The Atlanta Falcons entered the year with the hope of taking a step forward defensively. Things couldn’t get worse for a unit that ranked 29th in total defense last season. There are clear improvements for what it’s worth this season, as Atlanta ranks 13th in the league through six weeks. Still, if there is any hope of this team making a push for the playoffs this season or the next, the defense needs to take another step forward.
Let’s be clear that the struggles of defensive coordinator Dean Pees’ defense aren’t all down to the individual efforts of the unit. The offense hasn’t given them much help. In three of the five games played, the offense has started the game rather slowly, forcing the defense to keep them in games. Having a struggling offense led by Matt Ryan is unprecedented, but that may be because of the team’s new transition under Arthur Smith. However, the team has picked up the pace offensively, scoring 25 or more in three out of the last four games. The lone game in which the Falcons scored less than 25 points came against the Giants, which resulted in a victory in New York.
Once again, the offense started off the game sluggish, but the defense rose to the occasion. The Falcons gave up only 14 points that game, and we saw flashes of how productive the defensive line could be if all the pieces were put together. Dante Fowler Jr. and Grady Jarrett each had a sack. Adding more of a threat on the edge is a requirement that needs to be fulfilled in next year’s draft.
The Falcons already have a young prospect to fill the interior of the line in Ta’Quon Graham. For now, the line has only nine sacks through six weeks, which isn’t great. An encouraging stat to monitor for the rest of the season is how adequately the line will perform in stopping the run. Currently, it ranks 12th in rushing yards per game, only allowing 108.2.
The secondary rankings aren’t far behind, ranking 14th in the league. Led by veteran Duron Harmon, the team hasn’t allowed many explosives plays on the field. Only 19 plays of 20+ yards were given up currently through the season. The number of 40+ yard plays given up? None. In addition, A. J. Terrell is starting to gain confidence as a cornerback, owning an overall grade of 76.5. Not great, but still an improvement.
Kyle Pitts was the first player drafted by the Falcons in this year’s draft. He’s proving to be a reliable target for Matt Ryan, but he doesn’t play defense. Overall, the Falcons have multiple draft picks to add to the defensive side of the ball next year, although it’s too early to tell how the team will perform for the rest of the season. Atlanta faces a Miami Dolphins team that is struggling to get anything going on offense. It should be another test to show if the defense can hold its own and dominate. For now, we’ll have to monitor if these early improvements are indications of what’s to come or if they are just false promises.
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