The Falcoholic
The Falcons had to be proactive to improve defensively with limited resources this offseason. They dedicated everything they could to initiate change for a defense in need of talent across the board.
A season-ending loss to the Panthers won’t be viewed as a season-defining moment when assessing the 2024 Atlanta Falcons’ season. What was most notable from that defeat, outside of Michael Penix Jr. making several highlight-reel throws, came during the postgame press conference.
Raheem Morris was asked about what he likes about the defense going forward. He mentioned Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell as top-tier players at their respective positions in the secondary. He understandably highlighted Kaden Elliss for his versatility and the chaos he brings across the line of scrimmage. That was all he said. The fact that he was only moved to mention three players was indicative of the disastrous state of the Falcons’ defense.
They were among the bottom in the league in crucial statistical categories like sacks, third down conversion percentage, and completion percentage. The lack of speed was evident, especially up front with eight players aged 28 years old or older. Not having Troy Andersen left them severely limited at linebacker. As well as the secondary played at times, the personnel limitations were exposed against playoff teams in Minnesota, Washington, and Denver.
While Morris’ decision to hire Jimmy Lake as their defensive coordinator merits criticism, a porous defense can’t stem just from lackadaisical scheming and poor communication. They didn’t have enough talent to hold up against above-average opposition.
After a deflating loss in Minnesota, it was apparent how much Morris needed young talent across all three levels of his defense. Heavily relying on veterans translated to disappointing results. Young players were either misused, not given enough opportunities, or struggling to step up. After going all in at the quarterback position and signing a dynamic playmaker in Darnell Mooney last off-season, it was time for the franchise to go all in defensively. They did just that.
If any coach knows how debilitating it is to not have a capable pass-rushing group, Morris would unfortunately be able to have in-depth conversations about it. During his coaching career in Atlanta, the most productive seasons he saw from the front four came in 2017 when the defense produced 39 sacks, and in 2016 when Vic Beasley pulled off one of the most preposterous double-digit sack seasons ever. It’s been grim otherwise for Morris, who has been stuck watching quarterbacks largely at ease in the pocket when they face the Falcons.
Following the decision to reunite with Jeff Ulbrich in January after coaching alongside him in 2019 and 2020, the message was clear about prioritizing adding pass rushers. Even if it meant a drastic shift from how the defense was structured two years ago, they were ready to inject speed, bend, and versatility to a defensive front in need of revamping. The days of putting 260-270-pound defensive players on the edge on passing downs...
