As the Atlanta Falcons navigate through the 2024 NFL season, their hopes of securing a playoff berth are being threatened by a glaring weakness: an anemic pass rush. Despite boasting a secondary filled with All-Pro talent, the Falcons have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leaving their defense vulnerable and their postseason aspirations in jeopardy.
A Pass Rush in Crisis
Through the first 11 games of the season, the Falcons have managed a meager 10 sacks, placing them dead last in the NFL. This alarming statistic is not an anomaly; Atlanta has consistently ranked among the league’s worst in generating quarterback pressure over the past four seasons.
The absence of a formidable pass rush has allowed opposing quarterbacks to pick apart the Falcons’ secondary with ease. Despite the presence of standout defenders like Jessie Bates III, Justin Simmons, and A.J. Terrell Jr., Atlanta has surrendered a league-high 72% completion percentage to enemy signal-callers.
Searching for Solutions
Head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake have been working tirelessly to address the pass rush woes. The duo, who previously orchestrated a dominant pass rush with the Los Angeles Rams, have experimented with various personnel rotations and scheme adjustments.
“We’re got to continue to see what our guys can handle, what they can’t handle, and that’s the beautiful thing about football,” Lake explained. “It’s an awesome journey, and our whole growth mindset, we’re just striving to have a constant state of growth and development.”
— Jimmy Lake, Falcons Defensive Coordinator
The Falcons have incorporated practice squad elevations and recently returned players into the mix, hoping to find a spark. However, the results have been underwhelming thus far. Veteran acquisition Matthew Judon, who led the team with a modest 2.5 sacks, has faced frequent double-teams, limiting his impact.
Playoff Implications
As the Falcons enter their bye week, they find themselves at a critical juncture. Despite their pass rush deficiencies, Atlanta remains in the hunt for the NFC South title. However, their recent losses to the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos have exposed the gravity of their situation.
In their 38-6 defeat against the Broncos, the Falcons failed to pressure rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who proceeded to dissect their secondary with surgical precision. Nix completed 25 of 29 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the dire consequences of a nonexistent pass rush.
The Road Ahead
As the Falcons embark on the final stretch of the regular season, they must find a way to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Coach Morris has emphasized that everything is on the table, from scheme adjustments to personnel changes.
“Some of the scheme, some of us putting players in different positions, some of us doing different things across the board,” Morris stated. “Whatever it takes to win football games we’ll be willing to do.”
— Raheem Morris, Falcons Head Coach
The road ahead will not be easy for the Falcons, as they face several high-powered offenses in the coming weeks. If they hope to secure a playoff spot and make a deep postseason run, they must find a way to disrupt the rhythm of opposing quarterbacks and alleviate the burden on their secondary.
The Atlanta Falcons’ season hangs in the balance, and their ability to address their pass rush woes may ultimately determine their fate. As the NFL playoffs loom on the horizon, the team must dig deep and find the answers that have eluded them thus far. The clock is ticking, and the Falcons’ championship aspirations depend on their ability to rise to the challenge.
