Atlanta Falcons: 3 Glaring weaknesses entering 2020 training camp
Atlanta Falcons Glaring Weakness No. 3: Pass Rusher
The first apparent weakness on the Atlanta roster comes on the defensive side of the ball and specifically at the edge rusher and pass rusher spot. Over the course of the last few seasons, the Falcons have lacked a dominant and consistent pass rusher to put pressure on opposing offenses and ultimately get to the quarterback on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
In 2019, Atlanta’s defense struggled to some extent although the unit did round out the season out strong and helped lift the Falcons to a nice finish in the second half of the regular season schedule.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Throughout the course of last season, Atlanta managed to finish with a total of 28 sacks as a defensive unit, which was ranked tied for 29th in the NFL. Ultimately, the Falcons defense didn’t do enough to allow their offense to overpower opponents like we’ve seen often times in past years.
With that weakness continuing to remain throughout the offseason, Atlanta hasn’t done a ton to address that need on the defensive side of the field, which could mean the team could ultimately look to continue to add to the defense leading into the start of the 2020 campaign.
Earlier on in the offseason, the Falcons took a bit of a blow within the pass rush talent on defense with the departures of linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. and defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Atlanta did manage to go out and sign former Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. to the mix, who will certainly help fill some holes, but the Falcons will have to get creative to fill some voids remaining.
At the current moment, the top returning performers on defense for the Falcons consist of All-Pro defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who had 7.5 sacks in 2019, and defensive end Takkarist McKinley, who accounted for 3.5 sacks last season.
Among a unit that struggled for about half of the year last season, the Atlanta defense still needs to improve going into the 2020 campaign. And one position the Falcons need to address is the lack of a solid pass-rushing group on defense.