Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich talks defensive philosophy, learning from Kyle Shanahan

The new Falcons defensive coordinator knows team success will be tied to the performance of his revamped defense. He talked about how he wants to put players in the best position to win.
Dec 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Kentavius Street (93) reacts after a sack against the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Photo credit © Brett Davis-Imagn Images

One of the outstanding questions of this NFL offseason for the Falcons is what the revamped defense will look like for a challenging 2025 slate of opponents. The team reinforced in the draft with a quartet of players who expect to play significant snaps. But leading the charge will be defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who returns to the Falcons after a stint at the Jets. 929 The Game Falcons Insider Joe Patrick joined The Steakhouse to discuss what Ulbrich shared this week about how he’s grown in his role as the league has evolved.

Ulbrich spoke this week about how he learned to be a better signal-caller thanks to one of his colleagues at Flowery Branch in 2015 – current San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan.

Ulbrich also talked about how to approach modern offenses, with his preference being simpler rules as opposed to ratcheting up the chaos and trickery.

The defense will be crucial in what is an important Falcons season where the team will be on national television at least six times this season – as many as any team in the league. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson noted that his group on the opposite side of the ball has talent and cohesion – both of which leads to a mentality amongst the players of excitement to establish themselves not just as household names, but as winners.

Featured Image Photo Credit: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images