Atlanta Falcons: Expectations For New Falcons Defensive Line

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters (91) runs on the field before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in a while, the Atlanta Falcons’ defense actually has talent along the defensive front. Dave Choate over at The Falcoholic wrote a good piece about the talent Dan Quinn has at his disposal along the front seven, which I recommend everyone check out.

This is something the Falcons haven’t had the past few seasons. They have greatly upgraded their linebacking corps this offseason through free agency, along with adding talent throughout the defensive line in the past couple of drafts.

With proper player development, this could become a strength of the Falcons going into the 2016 season, with next year serving as a transitional period, where they can hopefully get back to league average. With that being said, I’d like to take a more in depth look at the Falcons’ front four.

Football games are won or lost in the trenches. If the Falcons are expecting to get better on defense (honestly it couldn’t get any worse), it is going to start with the defensive line setting the tone of the game and not letting the opposing line dictate the terms.

How can Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Richard Smith turn this unit around in 2015? With the simplified defensive scheme and more talent to work with, mediocre should be easily attainable. Given that last year was nothing short of a catastrophe, that would be a welcome sight.

Let’s take a deeper look.

Next: Where does Beasley fit?