In their first year under Head Coach Dan Quinn, the Atlanta Falcons have made some noticeable improvement. In 2014, under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the defense was last in touchdowns allowed and 27th in yards allowed. The unit was basically nonexistent, which gave the offense no room for error.
Last season, under the direction of defense coordinator Richard Smith, the defense went from one of the worst in the league to a respectable middle-of-the-pack squad. It was able to give the offense a chance to win games by allowing fewer points per game ranking 14th and 16th respectively.
The defense was unable to put consistent pressure on the quarterback last year which would have disrupted the rhythm of opposing offenses, causing the signal-caller to be rushed in his decisions and/or panicking his way right into a sack.
Both fans and the media thought that, in the 2016 draft, the Falcons brass really missed on an opportunity to land a solid player that could help them solve this problem and generate a ton of sacks.
But on Aug. 4 the Falcons signed veteran DE Dwight Freeney. Although he is 36, he brings a lot of experience to the defense… especially in rushing the passer. Signed off the street by Arizona in mid-October last season, Freeney was an integral piece for the Cardinals, consistently using his trademark spin move to rack up a team-leading eight sacks in just 11 games.
For the Falcons in 2016, Freeney’s mission as a natural edge-rusher will be to disrupt the opposition’s backfield and sack the quarterback. With his knowledge, having the 13-year vet around for the Falcons will be like them having an additional coach during practices, in the meeting room and on game day; assisting guys like second-year OLB Vic Beasley.
Freeney’s unique knowledge in rushing the passer and being able to shed blocks quickly will improve Atlanta’s defensive line in technique and increase its ability to get sacks on the quarterback. This type of progress can’t be understated and could be just the combination of things needed to help this young unit in 2016.