Grading each defensive position for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022

Dec 4, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) breaks up a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) breaks up a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons
Jan 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter (9) reacts after a defensive stop against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside linebackers:

  • Lorenzo Carter
  • Ade Ogundeji
  • Arnold Ebiketie
  • Deangelo Malone
  • Quinton Bell

Lorenzo Carter led the Atlanta Falcons’ edge rushers in sacks, he had a total of four sacks… Need I say more?

Second on the team in sacks among edge rushers, was Arnold Ebikitie with two and a half, third was Ade Ogundeji with two, and fourth was Deangelo Malone with one. Add that all up and you get a whopping nine and a half sacks from your edge rushers, AKA an average year for many pass rushers in the NFL

If there is a positive, it is that both Arnold Ebiketie and Deangelo Malone showed flashes every once in a while. They just weren’t put in the most favorable spot as rookies in what is already a difficult position to play in your first year.

Basically, this was one of the worst position groups in the entire NFL. Sure, the expectations were lower than low going into the season, but that doesn’t change the simple fact that it was another awful year for the Falcons’ pass rush. The only thing saving them from an ‘F’ is that they were at least average at defending the run.

Grade: D-