FOR THOSE WHO DOUBT THE FALCONS…
If you take umbrage with a Falcons-Patriots Super Bowl pick, it’s most likely on the grounds of Atlanta’s defense. And that’s fair. It ranked 27th in scoring, hardly Super Bowl-caliber. But here’s the case for the unit being able to pass muster.
It’s a young and improving group, particularly on the backend. Rookie linebackers Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell, while still developing in Dan Quinn’s Cover 3/man-to-man scheme, have gotten better and both are capable of playing fast. In the secondary, Desmond Trufant is missed (no NFL corner was playing at a higher level at the time of Trufant’s season-ending pectoral injury in November), but unexpected slot stalwart Brian Poole (an undrafted rookie) and fourth-year pro Robert Alford have steadily ascended. Given that rookie safety Keanu Neal provides an answer against versatile tight ends (the difference-making factors in most offenses), it comes down to Trufant’s replacement, Jalen Collins. The second-year perimeter corner has been targeted often, with good and bad results. If he can be steady, it’s a solid enough group.
Or, it’s a solid enough group if the front four performs up to its potential. Defensive end Vic Beasley finished the season with an NFL-high 15.5 sacks because Quinn and coordinator Richard Smith brilliantly found ways to get him in space. When Beasley isn’t rushing upfield from a wide-nine position, he’s looping around on stunts inside. Both tactics afford him the room to maximize his lethal raw speed. Atlanta’s only other threatening pass rusher is Dwight Freeney, who, in limited doses off the bench, still has a venomous spin move and bull rush. If Beasley and Freeney are rolling, this entire defense plays fast.
Yes, we’ve covered a lot of ifs here. But they don’t necessarily all need to be recognized each week. If the Falcons’ defense can hold opponents to fewer than 30 points, this team can make it to Houston.
