The Falcons had a lot of optimistic fans this offseason when they hired Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson, then signed Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney to join Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
There were questions about the defense, but that quickly changed a few weeks before the season opener. In a matter of 24 hours, the Falcons signed Justin Simmons and traded for Matthew Judon, filling the two biggest holes on the roster. Even the most pessimistic Falcons fans started to come around on the 2024 team.
Through seven weeks, one of those supposed impactful defensive acquisitions has lived up to the billing, and the other one is Judon. The Falcons can’t be happy with the early returns on that trade. There’s no way two ways around it.
The Falcons rank dead last in the NFL with six sacks, but their recent performance against the Seahawks has improved their pressure numbers. Atlanta ranks 24th in the league with 43 total pressures. Those aren’t the kinds of numbers of a club making a deep postseason run.
If the Falcons are to improve the single, longest-standing weakness of the team, it’s going to have to be an all-hands-on-deck approach. Terry Fontenot has to inject some life into the pass rush via the trade deadline; the Xs and Os have to improve, but the Jimmys and Joes have to do their part as well.
Matthew Judon is at the forefront of that last factor. Through seven games in 2024, the veteran has logged 1.5 sacks, five pressures, and two tackles for loss. Before a season-ending injury last year, Judon logged four sacks, 11 pressures, and five tackles for loss.
Judon has half of the production in about twice as many games. Considering the Falcons gave up a third-round pick for his services, one would think they’re not happy with his stat sheet thus far. No amount of leadership or other intangible qualities will make up for that kind of production.
Simply put, the Falcons need more out of Matthew Judon.
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Photographer: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
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