Atlanta Falcons Defense: Week 12 Grades Vs New Orleans
The Atlanta Falcons suffered their third consecutive loss on Thanksgiving Night in New Orleans. Let’s take a deeper look and who flew high and who was grounded in the 31-17 defeat.
Atlanta Falcons Defensive Player of the Week
Jack Crawford – Defensive Tackle
For the second straight game, Jack Crawford has been the best defender for the Atlanta Falcons. Crawford a fifth round pick in 2012, was signed by the Falcons away from the Dallas Cowboys, before the 2017 season. He had the misfortune of tearing his bicep that year, ending his first season as a Bird.
Jack Crawford has recovered to be a solid contributor for the Atlanta Falcons. He played very well against the rival sAints, making four tackles, two of which were for a loss. He held up his end of the bargain for the Dirty Birds’ Run defense, earning a grade of 74.9 from Pro Football Focus. The highest grade possible is 99.9.
As a pass rusher, Jack Crawford played even better. He he picked up his fifth sack of the season, the second highest total on the club. He also added another hit on Drew Brees. He won consistently enough that PFF gave him a pass rush grade of 81.6.
Jack Crawford has been Atlanta’s most productive interior pass rusher this season. He has two more sacks than star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett is arguably more consistently disruptive inside though.
For being a light in a dark game against New Orleans, Jack Crawford is our Defensive Player of the Week.