Falcons 'Rebuilding' Defense; How Much Better Will Atlanta Be?
The Atlanta Falcons have prioritized improving the defense this offseason, specifically through free agency.
After finishing towards the bottom of the league in most major defensive metrics and just two games back of first place in the NFC South, the Falcons believe an improved defense can land them back in the playoffs in 2023.
Bleacher Report ranked every defense in the NFL at its current juncture, and the Falcons landed at No. 21 on the list.
"This offseason, the Atlanta Falcons put a lot of work into rebuilding a defense that ranked 25th in passing yards allowed, 23rd in rushing yards allowed and 27th in total yards allowed last season," Bleacher Report writes. "Players like Jessie Bates III, David Onyemata, Calais Campbell and rookie third-round pick Zach Harrison will make the unit better—though cornerback Isaiah Oliver is a pretty significant loss. How much better the defense can be will depend on the team's offensive efficiency."
While Isaiah Oliver is the team's biggest loss, the Falcons signed multiple potential replacements, including Tre Flowers, Mike Hughes and Jeff Okudah. That could be the team's weak spot given the fact that none of the players above have proven to be 100 percent reliable throughout their careers. However, if any of them can blossom into a legitimate partner opposite A.J. Terrell, the Falcons will move up the defense rankings ... and potentially the standings as well.
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