The Falcoholic
Unlike in recent seasons, when hope was the answer to most questions about the defense during training camp, the Falcons have legitimate young defensive talent that can evolve into difference makers.
Anticipating what the Falcons’ defense could be entering a season has been largely a difficult conversation for the past decade. Besides a few years when optimism was understandable, most summers had everyone asking ten different questions with hope leading off each response.
Hope isn’t what a winning strategy is built on. Assembling a few steady veterans and a group of mid-round picks to generate consistent pressure doesn’t work. Giving high-round draft picks numerous opportunities when it’s clear they aren’t good enough to start doesn’t work.
That is something Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn learned the hard way. The same can be said for Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith. Raheem Morris learned it last season, knowing major changes had to be made defensively after finishing near the bottom in several categories. Fontenot can feel the pressure, which is why his full focus was on improving all three levels of the defense, even if it required being ultra-aggressive on draft day.
It’s understandable if fans remain pessimistic about the Falcons’ defense, given the years of disappointment. Unlike in previous seasons, the front office and coaching staff are strategically constructing a long-term vision. The defense is far younger compared to last year’s aging group. There is a credible plan to build a strong, dynamic defensive infrastructure. That comes with five players, outside of the 2025 first-round picks, who can elevate the Falcons with their development.
A strong case can be made that the defensive player who needs to make the most strides on the roster this season is Orhorhoro. Between Grady Jarrett’s departure and the organization not making any notable signings on the interior line, it’s evident Orhorhoro will be counted on as a full-time starter. Inserting him into that role can be risky for a defensive tackle who entered the league as a raw talent and only played 147 snaps last season.
The Falcons didn’t trade up for him in the second round to wait two years for him to be ready to start. They believe in his overall talent, along with the glimpses he showed against the Buccaneers and Giants, to pair him alongside David Onyemata. Orhorhoro had flashes where his get-off and strong hand usage gave opposing guards problems. The agility to beat offensive linemen on outside zone-schemed runs was also impressive, particularly in the massive Thursday night win over the Buccaneers.
Some of his biggest attributes are reminiscent of what made Jarrett a special player. It’s not a matter of him needing to replace an all-time franchise great. Orhorhoro must focus on enhancing his technical skills and being able to handle double teams.
The franchise is counting on him to be one of the driving forces behind a revamped defensive line filled with young talent. A strong season from him will likely benefit other players,...
