The Falcons are sitting atop the division with a 4-2 record, including a perfect 3-0 mark in the NFC South and are coming off a convincing victory over the lowly Panthers.
Carolina hung in the game for the first half, able to move the ball at will through the air and on the ground. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s offense didn’t look nearly as clean, even if they entered the half with a lead.
Eventually, the Falcons flexed their muscles and dominated a bad Panthers defense on the ground. It was yet another example of Raheem Morris’ team winning in a different way.
Against the Eagles, the defense held Jalen Hurts in check for much of the night before Kirk Cousins led a near-perfect game-winning touchdown drive. Against the Saints, it was the special teams and defense that led the way. Against the Bucs, Cousins had his coming out party, throwing for 500+ yards.
On Sunday, it was the Falcons rushing attack that led the way over the Panthers. Great teams find a way to win no matter what, and the one thing that Morris has proved through six games is that his club can win in multiple ways. That’s very encouraging; however, there’s one glaring weakness that will hold this team back.
For as long as I can remember, the Falcons pass rush has been terrible, and nothing has changed under Morris and Jimmy Lake. Despite spending several top 100 picks on pass rushers, trading for Matt Judon, and signing others, the Falcons still have the worst pass rush in football.
Against the Panthers, Atlanta was held without a sack, marking the second time this season that they have left a contest without a sack. The Falcons have recorded a league-low five sacks. As a team, they have only pressured opposing quarterbacks 25 times this season, which ranks 29th in the NFL.
Off the top of my head, I can’t remember a team ever making a deep postseason run with arguably the worst pass rush in the league. It would be an anomaly if so. The good news is the Falcons can make additions. There will be opportunities to upgrade the pass rush ahead of the trade deadline, and it’s time to finally make a significant attempt to improve that facet of the team.
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