The Falcons have just five sacks on the season, which is tied for the fourth-fewest in the league. They’ve done a good job getting pressure, but the pass rushers just haven’t quite capitalized as much as they could.
The problem, according to Falcons defensive line coach Jess Simpson, is simply finishing. In a piece written by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Simpson talked about the team’s need to take advantage of the pressure it’s creating.
“First of all, it’s just finishing. We’ve had some opps at the end of plays that we’ve made. We’ve had some opps at the end that we didn’t,” Simpson said. “I think getting in better situations, winning first and second down gets you where you want to be on third.”
The 1-2 Titans come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday
and it may be exactly what the Falcons need to get their sack totals up. Tennessee’s offense has allowed an NFL-worst 17 sacks through three games.
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has good speed but tends to hold onto the ball a bit too long at times. He won’t force a throw if it isn’t there, though, which is why he has yet to throw an interception on the season.
Through three games, Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett leads the team with two sacks. As good as Jarrett has been, you’d expect to see Takk McKinley or Vic Beasley with more. The two edge rushers have combined for two sacks, but they’ve been close to a number of others.
There’s certainly more to pass rushing than sacking the quarterback, and you can affect a game with just pressure. In Week 4, however, the Falcons have a chance to show that they can finish.
