The Falcons look like a playoff contender through seven games, sitting at 4-3. There’s a lot to be excited about in Atlanta.
Kirk Cousins is coming off a rough performance against the Seahawks, but the entire club, outside of Bijan Robinson, didn’t perform up to expectations. However, for the most part, the offense and all its facets have impressed early.
Drake London is a top 10 wideout. Kyle Pitts is finally starting to put up consistent numbers, and there isn’t a better running back duo in football than Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
With that being said, there’s a clear weakness. The defense as a whole isn’t the worst in the league, but the pass rush might be. For as long as I can remember, the Falcons pass rush has been an embarrassment.
The hope was that Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, and Aroold Ebiketie joined by Ruke Orhorhoro, Bralen Trice, and Brandon Dorlus would improve the pass rush. Then, the Falcons traded for Matthew Judon, and the feeling around Atlanta’s pass rush changed.
It wasn’t hope. Falcons fans felt there was no way the pass rush would still be awful. Well, it has been. They still rank dead last in the NFL in sacks, and Judon’s slow start is a major factor in that.
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. He has half of the production in about twice as many games.
In the exact manner you’d expect him to answer, Matthew Judon took the struggles on the chin, telling Atlanta media that he needs to be better in all aspects.
Matthew Judon on the start to his season: "I’d say a D. I’ve just got to play better, more production, better numbers, better pressure rate, get the quarterback down more. That’s what I came here for."
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 24, 2024
There’s no two ways around it. Matthew Judon has to be better, and the Falcons need it desperately.
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