The Atlanta Falcons Defense is showing flashes of promise

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Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Pass Rush

Did you see the way Adrian Claiborne pressured Aaron Rodgers Sunday. I mean it was a beautiful sight to see our defense actually getting to the quarterback with the quarterback still unrelentingly gripping the ball with their life. You see, last season, we got pressure, but opposing quarterbacks would always seem to somehow get the ball out before being thrown to the grown. Furthermore, instead of defending a 2nd and 16, we were defending a much painless 2nd and 10.

However, a different tale is being told this season as Vic Beasley, Adrian Clayborn, Dwight Freeney and package are actually getting to the quarterback WITH THE BALL STILL IN THE QUARTERBACKS’ HANDS. While it may seem like I am exaggerating with the cap-locks, I can assure you I’m not. Quarterback hits and hurries don’t equate to near as much success as actual sacks do and it is exciting to see that we are finally getting just that.

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) pass rushes on Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Freeney’s veteran presence is felt and has invigorated the defensive line dramatically. Technique has improved greatly and has evolved into something exhilarating to watch. Watching Vic Beasley swim through opponent’s offensive line with ferocity is exciting and should get us Falcon’s fan’s pumped for what lies ahead.

Let’s not fail to recognize the success of Quinn’s various blitzing packages that has allowed Desmond Trufant to obtain two sacks of his own. 18 sacks in the first 8 games is impressive for a team that only had 19 all season a year ago. I hope you are starting to see the progress and seams of light that are seeping through the cracks of the ominous cave that I was talking about earlier. The power of actually generating sacks is what our defense needs to succeed and we are actually seeing our defensive line evolve right in front of our eyes.

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