If Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons get some lift from their defense, this up-and-coming team could really take flight this fall.
While there are plenty of positive things to say about Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons' ground-centric offense, the defense could be sneaky-good this season under new coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
Nielsen comes over from the arch rival New Orleans Saints, replacing the recently retired Dean Pees. Although the Falcons are in the midst of their worst stretch in a quarter century, usually, the offense isn't the problem. They have always had players on defense as well, but never seemingly able to generate a pass-rush has become this NFC South franchise's long-exploited Achilles' heel.
However, things seem to be changing for the better in Flowery Branch. I spoke with Robinson over the phone on Wednesday afternoon, and he had glowing things to say about Nielsen's defense. Here is what Robinson said to me on behalf of Mercedes-Benz USA and YMCA of Metro Atlanta.
There are many new additions, whether that be safety Jessie Bates III coming over from Cincinnati, Calais Campbell coming over from Baltimore or David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss following Nielsen over from New Orleans. However, Robinson seems to be well-aware of the two biggest stars on that side of the ball from a homegrown perspective in A.J. Terrell and Grady Jarrett.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot did a marvelous job adding the right pieces in NFL free agency and in the 2023 NFL Draft to help this team finally get over the top. If all the pieces fit, Atlanta has the potential to not only win the NFC South, but maybe a home playoff game as well.
Bijan Robinson sees big things in the future for the Atlanta Falcons' defense
In between the cash-strapped collection of players Fontenot acquired on discount, you did see some great things start to happen on defense a year ago. It wasn't obvious to those outside of Atlanta and the NFC South footprint, but that side of the ball was incredibly tough and never gave up. Now that it added an elite safety in Bates and a future hall of famer in Campbell, look out, man!
I think the big thing that needs to happen on defense for the Falcons is to develop as strong of an identity as the offense was able to create in year two under head coach Arthur Smith. When you play the Atlanta Falcons, they are going to try to run the ball down your throat and embarrass you over the top with the play-action. On defense, they want to force turnovers, but then what else???
To me, it's got to be one of two things. Bend, but don't break on third down or changing a drive's momentum with a well-timed sack. When the Falcons have played well in the 21st century, it has usually been the former. Outside of a few players here and there, John Abraham ain't walking through that door to disrupt the passer. However, the pass rush appears to be Nielsen's expertise.
The defense or quarterback play may be what holds the team back, but it probably won't for long.
Bijan Robinson spoke to FanSided on behalf of Mercedes-Benz USA and YMCA of Metro Atlanta.
"Driving Your Future" is Mercedes-Benz USA's corporate social responsibility initiative to support educational programs that empower the next generation. As part of our commitment to positively impact communities where employees live and work, MBUSA has partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide and Junior Achievement USA to create and support programs focused on technology and sustainability, career readiness, and injury prevention to help the next generation succeed.
