Mid-Season Falcons Grades – The Defensive Line

As the Falcons are on a bye this week, it seems like a good time to analyse how our Falcons have played so far this year. We will be going unit by unit on the team over the next week or so. Starting with the Falcons Defensive Line.

• DE John Abraham (B-) – The Predator has not had the start to the season that the Falcons, were expecting from their Pro Bowl DE. After an encouraging week 1 performance, where he registered two sacks, Abraham has gone cold since, with only one sack since week 1. This lack of production could be down to injury, Abs was forced to miss the Packers game and has been in and out of practice, due to him struggling to stay healthy. The bye week should do him the world of good.

• DE Ray Edwards (B) – Despite only registering two sacks this season, the free agent’s impact has certainly been felt in the run game. He leads all D-Lineman with 18 tackles and has been very stout at the point of attack, making it very difficult for opponents to run to the left hand side of the Falcons’ defensive line. In pass rush situations he has been a bit inconsistent, he deserves more sacks than he has got, but at times the athleticism of the opposing QB has got the better of him. What is encouraging is that his performance is getting better week by week, and should be looking at getting 8+ sacks for the whole year.
• DE Kroy Biermann (C) – With Kroy playing predominantly on passing downs, I was hoping for a few more sacks. As he only has one that isn’t really getting it done from what is considered a pass rush specialist. His 50 yard INT TD return was a particular highlight and he has had some effectiveness in deflecting passes (2 on the year) at the line of scrimmage.
• DE Lawrence Sidbury (B) – Sidbury is finally showing off his true potential. Despite having limited opportunities to prove himself, he has contributed two sacks already this season and he keeps improving. I am keen to let him get more snaps as he exactly the physical skills you look for in a DE, and with some extra work on his technique, he could have starter potential.
• DT Jonathon Babineaux (B-) – Babs has missed a considerable amount of time this season, which has hurt his production. However, he is still showing signs of returning to last year’s dominant form, despite not recording a sack yet this season. Babs is another player that will benefit greatly from the bye week, to get 100% healthy.
• DT Corey Peters (A-) – At this stage Corey would be my MVP of the D-Line. He has had the highlight reel play with that spectacular INT against the Panthers, to seal the victory, but his dirty work in the trenches is where he has really shone. On the year, Peters has had 11 tackles and has remained strong in the run game, as he was last season. This season however, he has added an extra dimension as a pass rusher, getting two sacks, and he is really starting to blossom as an every down D-Lineman.
• DT Peria Jerry (B-) – With Peters playing so well, Jerry’s snaps have been limited but he has still shown some encouraging signs. He may not have any sacks, but is getting some good pressure when he is on the field. Jerry also forced a huge fumble against the Eagles resulting in Ray Edward’s long fumble return.
• DT Vance Walker (C+) – While Vance offers very little in terms of pass rush, but he is holding his own as a run defender, recording 10 tackles so far this season.
• DT Carlton Powell (N/A) – Powell has not really played enough snaps to earn a grade so far this season.
• DE Cliff Matthews (N/A) – Matthews has been inactive for most games this season. He showed some positive signs in preseason and may get more of an opportunity late in the year.

Check back on Blogging Dirty tomorrow, when I will be grading the performance of the Falcons’ Linebackers.