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Atlanta Falcons defensive woes continue in home opener

By LaDarius Brown

Oct 18, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) and linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) in action during the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) and linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) in action during the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the adage goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. When watching this game, it could not be any truer for the Atlanta Falcons. In their 32-6 loss, the defense allowed 434 yards on 67 plays. To emphasize, 264 of the yards the Atlanta Falcons allowed came by way of the pass. Last season, the defense was last in the NFL in passing yards allowed a game: 293.6 yards. Moreover, this defense gave up 34 passing touchdowns, which was the 27th most in 2020.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 21: Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Miami Dolphins during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 21, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 21: Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Miami Dolphins during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 21, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Shifting back to their season opener, this Atlanta Falcons team lacks established pass rushers to speak off. Without question, it showed in a big way as the front seven only had one quarterback hit in addition to just one sack. Both the sack and hit came from the third-year player Jacob Tuioti-Mariner out of UCLA. However, the lone bright spot in this gloomy game for the defense is the 11 tackles by Pro Bowler Deion Jones.

Atlanta Falcons Defense: Takeaway

The first thing to remember: this team is under a new regime, including a new defensive philosophy. By all means, watching the Atlanta Falcons defense in Week One was quite reminiscent of what we saw over the previous three years. New defensive coordinator Dean Pees has his work cut out for him.

As I have noted earlier, the defense allowed 264 yards passing. The remaining 173 yards allowed were allowed on the ground. Compared to their passing defense last season, the Atlanta Falcons rushing defense was stellar. In 2020, the Atlanta Falcons gave up just 104.8 yards a game, which was 7th best in the league.

Moving forward, I will be more on the optimistic side when it comes to this defense. At the same time, the defense must show growth next week. Sooner or later, these Dirty Birds must clean up defensively to give the Atlanta Falcons fanbase hope.

Next. Falcons a dumpster fire in week one. dark

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