Falcons’ Pass Rush Woes Continue to Haunt Them
The Atlanta Falcons’ lack of a pass rush has been a recurring theme this season, and it was on full display in their 34-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Despite having a positive season overall, with a 4-3 record, the team’s inability to get to the quarterback has been a major concern.
A Glaring Need
The Falcons knew they had to address their pass rush in the offseason, but their attempts to do so have been unsuccessful. They targeted a pass rusher with the No. 8 pick in the draft, but ended up selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. instead. They tried to trade back into the first round to get a pass rusher, but were unable to do so.
Injuries and Inconsistency
The team’s edge rushers have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Bralen Trice, a third-round pick, was lost for the season due to a torn ACL in the preseason. Matthew Judon, who was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots, has just 1.5 sacks through seven games. Other edge rushers, such as Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter, have played well in recent weeks, but haven’t been able to produce consistent results.
A Decade of Struggle
The Falcons have not had a respectable pass rush in nearly a decade. They were near the bottom in every pass rush statistical category in 2023 and haven’t had a double-digit sack producer since Vic Beasley in 2016. The team’s defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake, said that the pass rush tactics in practice and in games are getting better, but the results have not been seen just yet.
A Possible Solution?
With the trade deadline approaching, there is speculation that the Falcons could make a move to acquire a pass rusher. Maxx Crosby, a talented edge rusher, has been mentioned as a possible target. While nothing has been confirmed, Falcons coach Raheem Morris said that “nothing would shock me” when asked about a potential deal.
A Crucial Stretch
The Falcons have a crucial stretch of games coming up, with road games against divisional opponents Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints in the next three weeks. If they want to stay in contention, they will need to find a way to address their pass rush woes.
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