ATL All Day
Fansided

Atlanta Falcons: Can the Falcons’ Defense Make A Jump in 2017?

By Conner Burks

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Dan Quinn of the Atlanta Falcons stands on the sideline in the first half against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Dan Quinn of the Atlanta Falcons stands on the sideline in the first half against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Atlanta Falcons ranked in the bottom 10 in the NFL in both yards per game and points per game. Can they change that in the upcoming 2017 season?

When it came to the 2016 NFL defensive rankings, the Atlanta Falcons sat with the likes of the Jaguars, Jets and Browns. Whereas, with offensive rankings, the Falcons were more comparable to teams like the Patriots, Packers and Cowboys.

So, how will the Falcons be able to get their defensive success closer to the success of their offense?

The team has made the right steps so far.

The addition of big boy Dontari Poe, who just cashed in for $125,000 by weighing less than 340 pounds, should help clog up the middle to stop opponents rushing attack.

The plethora of rookies, Deion Jones, De’Vondre Campbell, Keanu Neal, Brian Poole, now have a season under their belt and should only continue to improve. They’ve seen the game at the biggest stage and matured through a crushing defeat at Super Bowl 51.

Then there’s this year’s rookie class. Takkarist McKinley and Duke Riley highlight the class as they could be big benefactors on this side of the ball.

McKinley has a huge personality and has the skills to back it up, though the injury to his shoulder, and the surgery that it required, do bring around a bit of concern.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Takkarist McKinley of UCLA poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Takkarist McKinley of UCLA poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked /

Riley is a fast, versatile linebacker out of LSU. The fact that he’s played with Deion Jones back in their days in the bayou could help him be a quick learner.

Then there’s return of Pro Bowler Desmond Trufant, who the Falcons lost to a torn pectoral at the midway point in the 2016 season. Trufant is one of the best Cornerbacks in the league that is a leader of this unit. His return, and health, are imperative.

Atlanta also has a new man calling the defense in Marquand Manuel, who was promoted from senior defensive assistant after Richard Smith was let go. Manuel has been with Dan Quinn since his days in Seattle and someone Quinn certainly trusts.

Related Story: Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan Set for Best Season Yet?

Another year under Quinn’s wing, and an ever improving lineup, could mean big things for the Falcons “D” in 2017.

Home/ATL News