Falcons coach Dan Quinn has yet to tap into his team’s pass rush since taking over defensive play-calling duties in the offseason.
In eight games, Quinn’s defense ranks last in both sacks (7) and interceptions (2), while allowing the second-most points per game (29.5). It will come as no surprise that Atlanta is near the bottom in defensive pressure rate without blitzing.
According to NFL Matchup on ESPN, the Falcons’ 17.2 pressure percentage without blitzing is only higher than the Raiders and Dolphins.
Atlanta isn’t 1-7 for any one specific reason, but more of a collective failure. Although, the team’s lack of pressure with its front four has probably hurt it more than anything else.
The Falcons can’t just simply start blitzing more, either. With Keanu Neal and Desmond Trufant missing over the past few weeks, the team’s secondary has been especially vulnerable.
Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield could be great players someday, but right now they’re getting a lot thrown at them without a lot of experience. This has hurt Quinn’s ability to blitz because he can’t count on his secondary in those situations.
There’s been very few bright spots for the Falcons on defense this season, but at least the team locked up defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who has been playing as well as any interior defensive lineman in the league.
We shall see what kind of tweaks Quinn makes coming out of the bye against the Saints in Week 10.
