COMMENTARY: How Effective Can The Defensive Line Be For The Atlanta Falcons?
Where does success start with all NFL teams?
If your answer was the front office, the quarterback, or the coach, I can’t say that you’re wrong.
But it’s not the “right” answer.
In fact, if you ask any front office personnel, coach, or quarterback, they’ll probably tell you success starts in the trenches.
For years, the Atlanta Falcons have been trying to fix their defensive line, but nothing has worked.
The failure to get to the quarterback has been a lingering issue, and it showed its bright colors in the first half of last season.
Teams that were notorious for having bad offensive lines were having their way with the Falcons, and they couldn’t do anything but take it to the chin.
This offseason, they decided that they would do something about it.
They replaced Vic Beasley Jr. with Dante Fowler Jr., drafted Marlon Davidson, and re-signed Tyeler Davidson. Though the Falcons opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, Takk McKinley has come in fit and ready to compete.
Let’s not forget what Grady Jarrett can do.
All of these pieces sound good on paper, but how effective can this group be this season?
To start off on the edge, Fowler is a clear upgrade over Beasley and has a motor to get to the quarterback. After coming off a career-high 11.5 sacks last year with the Los Angeles Rams, Fowler could be the piece the Falcons line has missing.
Opposite of him will be McKinley, who’s had somewhat of an injury-riddled career that has affected his production on the field.
So far in training camp, he’s said that he’s lost weight and has been focused on football all offseason. Fowler has also been giving him tips, which could lead him to having a breakout season.
The key factor who could help both Fowler and McKinley is Grady Jarrett.
Jarrett has become a perennial star in the league, and one of the best players at his position as well. When he’s on the field, he’s going to need extra attention.
That’s where Fowler and McKinley come in.
If Jarrett is able to attract a double team, that should leave either one of them to make a play on the quarterback. Just look at how Fowler was able to be successful with the Rams; it was because Aaron Donald had everyone’s attention.
Davidson and Davison will be lining up next to Jarrett, and if they’re able to bring constant pressure through the middle, the other team could be in trouble.
Add in the fact that Davidson has the ability to play inside and outside on the edge, and the Falcons could be looking at a versatile, new and improved defensive line.
With momentum carrying on from the second half of the season, this line could be one of the best the Falcons have had in years.
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