3 Ways the Atlanta Falcons could become surprise contenders this season

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Jun 9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees talks to cornerback A J Terrell (24) during OTA at Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dean Pees’ defense takes a huge step forward

The Atlanta Falcons are going to be much better in the secondary this season. With Casey Hayward and A.J. Terrell as the starting corners and Atlanta adding more depth and talent at the safety position. The big question for Dean Pees’ unit is will they be better at generating a pass rush and stopping the run?

It appears Mykal Walker is set to take over the middle of the Atlanta defense while the team has brought in a myriad of options at edge rusher. One of the biggest encouraging signs for Atlanta last season was how hard the defense played and how often they managed to get stops with inferior personnel.

Even in blowout losses to the Cowboys and Patriots going back and watching the tape this defense was still fighting. They simply didn’t have the pieces to take the step forward they needed to. With a productive off-season and what appears to be a great draft that could soon change.

While the offense has gotten most of the attention the Falcons have quietly put their defense in a position to take a huge step forward. Dean Pees has this unit headed in the right direction the only question remaining is how big of a leap are they capable of taking this season?

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