Defensive Reinforcements

(@GarrettJarrett, Atlanta Falcons)

The Atlanta Falcons defense has been the Achilles’ heel of the team for years. This issue includes lack of a pass rush, terrible red zone defense, and not creating turnovers. These are just a few examples; there has been a lot more than the ones mentioned that have contributed to the problems as well. One big thing this year that the Falcons believe will improve and be a big help, is coaching. Coaching has been one of the most inconsistent things on this team, especially during the Dan Quinn era. The defense has been the prime example of that, with starting off seasons badly then making a coaching change, resulting in better play. Then you wonder, “Why can't they do this a whole season?” Dean Pees is the new head man of the defense and is looking to make this defense more consistent and develop an identity. He brings an aggressive style and is very blitz happy as well from. Pees is expected to run a base 3-4 but multiple defenses from that. I dive into this Falcons defense, giving an overview of what to expect.

The Defensive Line

If you look at this defensive front, it all starts with big Grady Jarrett, the one constant and consistent player on this line. He is the anchor up front and the core of this unit. I expect him to be the same great player he has been this year, regardless of whether that's in a 3-4 or 4-3 personnel. Then, if you look at the rest of the group, there are a lot of young players on this D-Line that are going to be expected to step up. The hope again is on coaching, with the Falcons betting on new D-line coach Gary Emanuel to get the most out of the guys up front. People are hoping Marlon Davidson will make a big jump in year two and be the guy next to Jarrett wreaking havoc. The Falcons recently released Barkevious Mingo for good reason and now have an even bigger hole opposite Donte Fowler, who I will get to in a minute. According to the depth chart on ESPN, the person listed as their starter currently? Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, an undrafted free agent from 2018 who played his ball at UCLA. He has got playing time with the team as a rotational player, but I'm not sure if the Falcons will stick to him as the starter going into week one.

The two players you hear about replacing Mingo are Justin Houston and Melvin Ingram. The Falcons are going to probably go into training camp and see what they have with the other guys before determining whether or not they will go ahead and actually sign one of the 2, or even someone else. I fully expect them to bring someone else in to add to the line. Now, back to Fowler who, let’s face it, is in a make or break year in his 2nd year in Atlanta. He only had 3 sacks in 2020 which is completely unacceptable, especially after signing a 3 year 45 Million dollar deal last off-season. He is a guy who could, again, benefit from Pees as DC. Fowler's strength is his athleticism, and with the Falcons likely using a multiple defense system, I expect them to move him around and use him in different ways to help create pressure on the QB. The whole D-line in general has big improvements to make as they ranked 29th in total yards given up and allowed 25.9 points a game. Tyeler Davison, John Cominsky, Steven Means, John Atkins, Deadrin Senat and rookie Ta'Quan Graham have to step up and play well. It will definitely be a group effort in 2021 to help reverse the team's defensive woes up front.

Falcons Jones and Oluokon (Credit: Curtis Compton)

The Linebackers

We now come to the Linebacker core which, in my honest opinion, I believe is the strength of this team. Foyesade Oluokon and Mykal Walker have shown flashes of what they can be. They are both extremely fast and are getting better. Oluokon was tied for 3rd in the NFL for forced fumbles, so he has shown the ability to create turnovers. He also had 117 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. He seems to show a star potential that Falcons hope Pees’ defense unlocks this season. The thing about this group of linebackers is that they are all very athletic and versatile. I am expecting a big step up in play time this year for Mykal Walker and a more active role on this defense. He is an upstart that I also expect Pees to have fun with, since I believe he will be moved around in this defense as well.

Then we can't forget about Dion Jones, the star of the group. I think some people have forgotten how good Jones is. He is one of the best cover linebackers. Since 2016, he has had a 92.1 coverage grade and is 7th of Pro Football Focus top linebackers coming into the season. I expect the linebackers to be very active in the past rush this year, again due to Pees being more blitz heavy. It is easy to look at the Falcons’ defense these last few years and forget they still actually have real talent. Jones will have to lead these two young linebackers as they are all learning this new scheme. If things work out, this could end up being the best linebacker group in the league. They could be the key to this entire defense.

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

The Secondary

The Falcons secondary has undergone much change this off-season which has made it the most competitive, but it still remains the biggest question mark on this team. PFF ranked the Falcons secondary as the worst in the league going into this season. They lost Ricardo Allen, Damontae Kazee, and Keanu Neal this off-season - 3 big parts of this defense for the last few seasons. They added Duron Harmon, Erik Harris, and Fabian Moreau in free agency. They drafted Richie Grant, Darren Hall, and Avery Williams. Returning from last year’s team are Isaiah Oliver, AJ Terrell, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Kendall Sheffield. I believe outside of Terrell there will be competition for every spot in the secondary. I think if Terrell continues to build off the success from the end of year, he will be in for a solid season and maybe even taking the next step.

Isaiah Oliver is a much talked about player in Falcon Fan circles. He has struggled since being drafted by the team in 2018 in the 2nd round, but there is some hope. The belief is he may have found a good spot at that nickel corner position, and it's his spot to lose. Kendall Sheffield will also be interesting to watch this training camp and season. He has been seen by some to have the potential to be a starter but hasn't reached that level yet so far. This, again, under Pees could help elevate him, as currently he is listed as a starter according to ESPN, but we will see if he can hang on to the position. Fabian Moreau is a person to keep an eye on for that other outside starting spot as well. The rookies we selected could also very well play real playing time this season, depending on how fast they can get a hang of the defense. Grant has been the one everyone has the highest expectations for, as he is the Falcons 2nd round pick from this year's draft. He is known as a versatile, yet ball hawking safety from UCF. If he can make an impact in his first year, it can go a long way for the Falcons, especially if he forces turnovers. Hall and Williams also are going to be competing for that nickel and dime spot on the defense, potentially more if they impress in camp.

The free agents that were brought in were smart, veteran guys that can help the young guys along. Duron Harmon is the guy I think will stand out, as he is projected to start and really would be the "old man" of this young group. People nicknamed him " The Closer " because he is known for game sealing interceptions in New England, which the Falcons could definitely use. If he can make sure that communication is solid in the back end and get everyone lined up correctly, they only have won half the battle. It will be about execution from that point on, which is going to be a point of emphasis for the secondary and the entire defense. They are going to have to hold up, especially if they are going to be left on an island more because Pees will be sending blitzes.

The Wrap up

(Dean Pees, AtlantaFalcons.com)

The Falcons defense is going to have to decide what they are going to be known for. They can either be a defense that creates turnovers, gets the QB, and/or is a bend but not break defense and shut teams down in the red zone. Elite or great defenses do all three, good defenses do at least two, and average defenses do at least one. Out of all the moves that were made, some people consider Pees to be the biggest addition to the defense. If you remember those defenses in Tennessee under Pees, they didn't have a bunch of game changing players. They had smart, solid, and consistent players on those teams that made plays or had their best games when needed. This led to the success they had, especially in 2019 when they made that run to the AFC Championship game. He was also the Ravens defensive coordinator 2012-2017 apart of that super bowl winning team in 2013. So, he knows how to get the most out of his defenses.

I truly believe if the Falcons offense continues to be able to score points, this defense doesn't have to be elite. They just have to be good enough, and the key is to be good situational. They can be middle of the pack defense ranked between 14-16th, but making those key plays or having those great defensive games when needed can go a long way. If they don't, this may be another lost season for the Falcons. If they do, they firmly should be competing for the playoffs. This defense has plenty of potential and Pees and the defensive coaching staff are tasked with getting them to that level.

Also a Hawks fan? Check out my latest Hawks Fan Show season recap with Bob Rathbun : https://youtu.be/hTuoOmqog6M

(Cover photo creds to : Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)