3 Things we learned about the Atlanta Falcons in impressive road win
By Nick Halden
2. The Atlanta Falcons defense still has a long way to go
For every reason to be excited about the Atlanta Falcons offense, there is one to be concerned about their leaky defense. A defense that allowed Geno Smith to pick them apart and easily set his season high in passing yards and keep them on their heels. Atlanta’s issues stopping below-average quarterbacks stems from their inability to register consistent pressure and that was the case yet again on Sunday.
On a late red zone drive, Atlanta forced a field goal when the pressure finally got home and it was pressure that forced the game-sealing interception on 4th down. Atlanta’s defense is very similar to the unit the team had last season though marginally improved.
Atlanta’s defense has shown an ability to get stops late when the team must find a way albeit these stops are consistently happening after surrendering a lead or big plays for much of the game. Dean Pees’ defense is going to have to find a way whether through one of their young players or creative blitzes to find consistent pressure. If they can’t imagine what quarterbacks far more talented than Geno Smith will do to this defense.