Atlanta is looking to build on a promising season from just last year. While they missed the playoffs and endured another losing season, there was a lot to feel optimistic about heading into the upcoming year. At one point, the Falcons held a solid lead in the division, but in the end, it was Tampa Bay who ran away with it.
The Falcons targeted the defensive line in this year’s draft, selecting two of the best college pass rushers. Jalon Walker and James Pearce are both versatile defenders, and offensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has revealed where he wants Walker to play this season.
“On first and second down, I want, especially Jalon, to really have an opportunity to just master playing on the edge because I think there’s something special there,” Ulbrich said. “Give him an opportunity to have one home initially and become as good as he can at that. Then, from a third-down perspective, we can get creative with him, and that’ll be part of his superpower.”
When head coach Raheem Morris was asked about the decision to draft two pass rushers right away, he gave a passionate response.
“Raheem Morris says he was tired of being criticized for the lack of a pass rush for the Falcons, and they were intentional about fixing that this offseason,” Will McFadden wrote. “That’s got to change, and the only way to change that is to change it.”
However, the Falcons’ best-kept secret, according to Bleacherreport, is the leader of the defense, Kaden Elliss, who serves as the signal-caller from the linebacker position.
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“According to Pro Football Focus, Kaden led his position with 43 total pressures (five sacks) on 156 pass-rush snaps. It feels like the Idaho product is destined to follow in his father Luther’s footsteps and earn a Pro Bowl bid soon,” Matt Holder wrote.
Elliss is looking to have another productive season as the man in charge of the defense. The linebacker is a headhunter, always seeking contact.
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