The Falcoholic
With Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix, Jr. both out, the primary reason to watch the Atlanta Falcons’ first preseason game against the Detroit Lions was to watch this young defense. More importantly, seeing the young pieces in the front seven and their impact in their NFL debuts.
Needless to say, they did not disappoint.
1st & 10 – On a quick throw to the flat, tight end Shane Zylstra was met by 2nd-year safety Demarcco Hellams, who came in with the worst of intentions: Two-yard gain.
2nd & 8 – Hendon Hooker rolls out only to find edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, unfooled by the play action, waiting to tattoo him as he lets the ball go to receiver Tom Kennedy.
3rd & 8 – Hooker drops back and realizes the pocket is immediately collapsing, forcing him to step up, where Brandon Dorlus slows him down enough for Josh Woods to put a helmet on the football and pry it free. Dee Alford scoops it up, and the Falcons have possession of the ball on the Lions’ 41-yard line.
Atlanta’s defense is going to be inexperienced, as it will rely on many of the young players in this game. However, if they continue to cause chaos as they did on this first drive, there will be plenty to be excited about when it comes to this Falcons defense in 2025.
