The Atlanta Falcons have struggled with their pass rush in recent years, ranking last in the NFL in sacks over the last five and ten seasons. However, they are hoping to turn things around with the addition of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson to their schedule. Fields, who played for the Chicago Bears, and Wilson, who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, have both been sacked at a high rate since 2021.
The Falcons’ defensive coordinator, Ryan Nielsen, oversaw a doubling of the team’s sack total in 2023, but he has since moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a new coaching staff in place, including head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, the Falcons are looking to improve their pass rush through various means.
Morris emphasized the importance of making quarterbacks uncomfortable and affecting their play. He mentioned the possibility of using secondary pressure, linebackers, and different pass rush schemes to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. The Falcons will have a chance to test their pass rush against Fields and Wilson when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season opener.
Morris and Lake both believe that an effective pass rush requires a coordinated effort from the entire defense. Tight coverage in the secondary can force quarterbacks to hold onto the ball longer, giving the pass rushers more time to get to them. It’s not just the defensive linemen and outside linebackers who can contribute to the pass rush; cornerbacks, safeties, and even deep-lying defenders can create confusion and disrupt the opposing offense.
To bolster their pass rush, the Falcons acquired veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. Judon has been a consistent sack producer, with 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15 sacks in 2022. His presence should not only improve the pass rush but also help the coaching staff anticipate opponents’ blocking schemes, giving his teammates a better chance to succeed.
The Falcons are tired of hearing about how comfortable quarterbacks feel when facing their defense. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett expressed the team’s desire to be dynamic and aggressive in their approach to attacking the quarterback. They are willing to use different formations, blitzes, and strategies to achieve their goal.
Despite their recent struggles, the Falcons are confident in their ability to improve. Inside linebacker Troy Andersen spoke about the team’s growth mindset and their commitment to learning and getting better every day. They believe they have the talent and potential to turn things around in the upcoming season.
Overall, the Falcons are hoping that the addition of Fields and Wilson to their schedule, along with the presence of Matthew Judon and the new coaching staff, will help revitalize their pass rush. They are taking a comprehensive approach, incorporating different players and strategies to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and improve their defense as a whole.