Falcons Defense Doomed As Season Hangs In The Balance
The Atlanta Falcons have stumbled to a dismal 4-7 record through the first 11 games of the 2023 season, and their once-promising playoff hopes are hanging in the balance. While the offense has struggled at times, the defense has been a major disappointment, ranking among the worst in the NFL in several key categories.
Collapsing Defense
The Falcons' defense has been a major liability this season, allowing a league-worst 29.1 points per game. They have also struggled to stop the run, ranking 29th in the NFL with an average of 150.1 rushing yards allowed per game. Opposing quarterbacks have also had their way with the Falcons' secondary, completing 67.5% of their passes for an average of 260.5 yards per game and 19 touchdowns.
The Falcons' defense has been particularly vulnerable to big plays, allowing an NFL-high 10 plays of 50 or more yards this season. They have also struggled to generate turnovers, with just nine interceptions and four fumble recoveries through 11 games.
Lack of Playmakers
One of the biggest problems with the Falcons' defense this season has been the lack of playmakers. They have not had a single player record more than three sacks or three interceptions, and their overall lack of athleticism and speed has been a major factor in their struggles.
The Falcons' secondary has been particularly disappointing, with no player emerging as a consistent playmaker. Rookie cornerback A.J. Terrell has shown some flashes of potential, but he has also been inconsistent and has been targeted frequently by opposing quarterbacks.
Missed Tackles
Missed tackles have also been a major problem for the Falcons' defense this season. They have missed a league-high 114 tackles through 11 games, and their inability to wrap up ball carriers has led to several big plays for opposing offenses.
The Falcons' linebackers have been particularly bad at tackling this season. Deion Jones has missed a team-high 19 tackles, and Foye Oluokun has missed 16 tackles. The Falcons' secondary has also been guilty of missing tackles, with cornerback Isaiah Oliver missing 12 tackles and safety Keanu Neal missing 11 tackles.
Coaching Concerns
The Falcons' defensive struggles have also raised questions about the coaching staff. Dean Pees, who was hired as the team's defensive coordinator in 2021, has come under fire for his conservative scheme and his inability to get his players to play with consistent effort.
Pees' defense has been particularly vulnerable to the pass this season, and he has been criticized for not blitzing enough and for not putting enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He has also been criticized for his lack of adjustments during games, and for his inability to get his players to play with a sense of urgency.
Conclusion
The Falcons' defense has been a major disappointment this season, and it is a big reason why the team is struggling to stay in the playoff race. The Falcons have allowed more points than any other team in the NFL, and they have struggled to stop the run and the pass. They have also been plagued by missed tackles and a lack of playmakers.
The Falcons' defensive struggles have raised questions about the coaching staff, and Dean Pees has come under fire for his conservative scheme and his inability to get his players to play with consistent effort. The Falcons need to make some major changes on defense if they want to turn their season around and make a run at the playoffs.