The Atlanta Falcons will begin their 2016 NFL season journey in four days. Unfortunately for them, they will open the season at home against a tough division foe in the Jameis Winston-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bucs have been a thorn in the Falcons side, sweeping them in the 2015 season. In both meetings, Winston passed and rushed for touchdowns and possessed a passer rating above 80 percent. A glaring problem last year for the Dirty Birds’ defense was its inability to be a disruptive force in the opposition’s backfield.
The defense was unable to put consistent pressure on the quarterback which would have helped its secondary out tremendously in the passing game. Upsetting the rhythm of opposing offenses forces an opponent’s signal-caller to be rushed in his decisions.
It will be imperative for the Falcons defense to not allow Winston to be comfortable in the pocket. They must consistently pressure, hurry and, if possible, sack the second-year QB. A clean pocket for Winston — with the weapons he has at his disposal — could lead to a repeat of last year.
It will be interesting to see how Atlanta defensive coordinator Richard Smith chooses to bring pressure with his front seven. He could give Tampa Bay different looks by placing linebacker Vic Beasley at right or left defensive end. Also look for Dwight Freeney to play a role in helping the defensive attack.
The Falcons are facing a great early test for the defense and it will take a sound and disciplined performance to prove to themselves — and the fans — that they have succeeded in improving the unit.