Bleacher Report: Falcons’ Dontari Poe is “Overhyped”

There are various feelings around the NFL about the Atlanta Falcons signing Dontari Poe.

The initial reaction to the Falcons signing Dontari Poe was excitement and hope. The hulking defensive tackle looked to be a great compliment to an improving Vic Beasley, and Grady Jarrett would finally have someone else to help in the middle of the defensive line.

Also, the deal seemed low-risk, high-reward for the Falcons. Poe’s contract was for one year and worth $8 million, giving Poe a chance to prove himself and preventing the Falcons from being bound to an expensive contract. If he doesn’t work out, then the Falcons are only tied up with Poe for one season with a light impact on the salary cap.

Some were still concerned about the signing however, citing his declining athleticism and weight. The Falcons addressed these concerns with a weight clause in Poe’s contract, including handsome incentives to get down to a weight where the Falcons feel he can be most effective.

As of right now, Poe seems to be on track.

In spite of this, there are still some that haven’t bought in to the signing yet.

In a recent Bleacher Report article, Dontari Poe was pointed out as one of the most “overhyped” stars in the NFL:

"Poe’s effectiveness [has] lessened with each passing season. The defensive lineman made the Pro Bowl twice in his first three campaigns, but his production has dropped off the last two years. In 2016, the former second-team All-Pro registered a career-low 27 total tackles. He has only managed 2.5 sacks since the start of the 2015 campaign."

While maybe a reality check is needed for some Falcons fans, hopefully Poe is not as overrated as the author claims:

"Poe no longer sets the tone in the middle of a defense. He’s now a complementary piece among an up-and-coming Falcons squad."

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