Despite several new additions to the defensive front over the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have still struggled to rush opposing quarterbacks. As a team, the defense has accounted for only five sacks in five games, which is tied for last in the NFL.
Could the Falcons finally get right against a Washington Commanders offense that has allowed an incredible 29 sacks so far this season? Jon Chuckery discussed.
"[Sam Howell]'s got a 13.2-sack percentage rate," Chuckery said about the Commanders' struggles in pass-protection. "Ten is really bad -- that was Marcus Mariota. If you get to nine or 10, that's really bad. He's at 13-percent of his dropbacks that end up in sacks."
That said, this has been a consistent issue for the Falcons, as they've only had a single instance of a player reaching the double-digit sack totals in the last decade (Vic Beasley had 15.5 in 2016). As a team, the Falcons haven't finished within the top half of the NFL in sacks since 2017 when they had 39.
According to Falcons insider, D-Orlando Ledbetter, the Falcons are getting pressure to the quarterback. Including sacks and hurries, their pressure number is 43 -- which is a better mark than the Ravens (39) and Cowboys (34). Those two teams have 18 and 15 sacks, respectively.
"So if there was a week where you feel like the Falcons' offense could get uncorked," Chuckery continued. "And at the same time, this defensive front can get after the quarterback and put someone on the ground. This feels like the week for it."