The Atlanta Falcons picked up a much-needed win on Sunday as they defeated the New Orleans Saints 24-10, ending their five-game losing streak and earning their first division win of the season with Kirk Cousins back under center as the starting quarterback.
And while many headlines surrounding Atlanta’s victory were highlighted by how much better their offense was able to execute, the Falcons defense may have had one of their best performances of the season as they did not allow the Saints offense to score a touchdown and finished with five sacks, bringing their sack total for the season to 39, which is the third highest in the NFL this season.
“The problem is we have a losing record so nobody around the NFL is recognizing it,” 92-9 The Game’s Carl Dukes said on Monday as he and cohost, Mike Bell, shared their thoughts on the Falcons win on Sunday. “If we were in the division lead or a contender right now in the NFC, everybody would be taking about this turnaround with the sacks, but they’re not,” Dukes said as he explained why he believes the Falcons 4-7 record has overshadowed how well their defense has played this season.
“But we have to acknowledge it because what I think it says is, what was addressed in this draft is working,” Dukes continued as he noted rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. leading rookies in sacks in the NFL this season and rookie Xavier Watts’ three interceptions also lead all rookies.