3 Things the Atlanta Falcons learned in their win over Detroit

3. The Atlanta Falcons defense isn’t far away from being a competent unit

This may seem like a leap after a win over the Tim Boyle-led Detroit Lions but bear with the reasoning for a moment. This Atlanta Falcons defense has played hard all season (outside of the ugly Cowboys game) consistently giving Matt Ryan and the offense chances at putting their team ahead of back into games.

What this defense lacks is a corner to line up across from Terrell and any pass rush. If Atlanta were to infuse a capable pass rusher or two into this defense next off-season many people would be surprised how big of a leap the defense would take.

If they were able to rush the passer Atlanta is an effort defense that will keep their team in games. We saw this play out against the Patriots and early in the game against San Francisco. The Atlanta defense plays hard and keeps the offense close even when everything is going wrong and Atlanta hasn’t been able to maintain drives.

In that same vein, Detroit had two late drives one to tie and the last to win Atlanta got the stops they needed forcing a field goal and a turnover.

The Atlanta defense has taken a lot of heat, and rightly so for its performance over the last three years. But this defense feels different, the effort and building blocks are there more so than any time in the last three years. An encouraging sign for a team that’s primary focus is almost certainly already on the off-season.