The Falcons defense was decimated by injuries in 2018, particularly in the secondary. With both starting safeties back healthy this season though, they’re quickly becoming one of the league’s top defenses against the pass.
In fact, Atlanta has allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL through two weeks, and ranks third in total defense. The team has allowed just 167 yards per game through the air total against Minnesota and Philadelphia.
However, this stat should include an asterisk.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins only needed to throw 10 passes in a Week 1 victory because running back Dalvin Cook ran all over the Falcons defense. Then last night, the Eagles temporarily lost quarterback Carson Wentz, and were without their top two wide receivers for much of the night.
This isn’t to take away anything from Dan Quinn’s defense. They did their job last night and you can only play the team that’s in front of you.
While it certainly hasn’t been a perfect start for the Falcons in 2019, things are trending in the right direction after two weeks.
