Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons: Reasons For Optimism in 2016

By Eric Robinson

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next

Reason 4: Young defensive pillars

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of defenses, Atlanta has a top 10 cornerback in Desmond Trufant, who has held opposing quarterbacks to under 60% completion percentage for three straight seasons as well as 44 pass deflections in his career, which is only three seasons long. To go along with Trufant is a corner in Robert Alford, who made strides last season that you won’t see by watching highlight film on YouTube.

Add in the athletic Vic Beasley, who played the entire season with a torn labrum in his shoulder in still wound up with four sacks, a number of pressures, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and an interception. All while being undersized and still wet behind the ears. Sprinkle in a defensive tackle duo in Ra’Shede Hageman and Grady Jarrett who had a considerable hand in that improved rushing defense, DQ has a nice little nucleus of defensive talent.

Home/Atlanta Falcons News