When head coaches and coordinators sit down to put together the offensive game plan heading into any matchup, they’ll identify players on the other side of the ball that they need to be mindful of. For Dennis Allen and the Saints, those guys on the Falcons' defense include A.J. Terrell and Grady Jarrett, but is that it?
Previewing the upcoming season opener at Mercedes Benz Stadium Sunday on 92.9 the Game's 'The Steakhouse,' Steak Shapiro and Drew Butler were of the opinion that the list of standouts stops there and that no one else on the Falcons defense will strike fear into the Saints offense.
Hamstrung by $62 million in dead cap space this offseason, the Falcons did manage to bring in numerous free agents on the defensive side of the ball that will start the opener in DE Lorenzo Carter, CB Casey Hayward, and LB Rahsaan Evans. Of course, for Atlanta, the questions start up front after the team ranked dead last in the NFL a season ago with 18 sacks. With the role of rookies Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone still a question mark, Ade Ogundeji and Carter will get the first crack at bringing down Jameis Winston.
“You’ve got to get Jameis to make those quick decisions because, as it’s been proven time and time again when you keep in the pocket and make him make quick decisions, he turns the ball over,” Butler said.
Shapiro and Butler were less than optimistic that Carter—who the Giants let walk in free agency after four seasons—can turn things around for the Falcons up front surrounded by other newcomers and 2nd & 3rd-year players.
Outside of the building, expectations have been set low for the 2022 Falcons, but head coach Arthur Smith welcomes the talk, telling Dukes & Bell that the team has a chip on their shoulder “bigger than the state of Georgia.” Sunday at 1 p.m, the talk comes to an end and it’s time for football in Atlanta once again and you can hear it all on 92.9 The Game!
