But according to former NFL Pro Bowler Chuck Smith, who is well respected as a pass-rushing technique and defensive lineman personal trainer, every pass-rusher should be evaluated and held to a standard just as high as the guy on the offensive side of the ball that he is paid so highly to put on the ground.
In the case of the Atlanta Falcons, over the past several years, these pass-rush evaluations have unfortunately begun to be and continue to be rather inferior, and substandard.
During his weekly visit with Dukes and Bell, Smith explained that several of the Falcons pass-rushers are failing these evaluations regularly.
“Steven Means, get my number from Grady,” begged Smith when describing the help, he can provide to the Falcons DE.
Smith further explained that the cross-chop hand technique that Means is using can be effective when done correctly, but by his count, “you’re 0-23 on this move.”
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Next and most significantly on the pass-rusher evaluation list is Falcons DE Dante Fowler Jr.
Fowler was brought to Atlanta to provide the sack numbers that former first-round pick Takk McKinley, failed to provide after Dan Quinn selected him in 2017.
“Basically, Dante has become Takk 2.0,” is unfortunately what Smith describes as the Falcons return on the Fowler investment thus far.
Smith did have some positive things to say about Fowler’s efforts on the field.
“In all fairness to Dante, he’s trying really hard,” explained Smith. But he continued the evaluation by saying, “He plays out of control, and he’s always on the ground.”
Next up on the Falcons list of QBs to make look like a future HOF candidate, Jet’s rookie Zach Wilson.
Let’s see what Chuck has to say when he joins D&B next week.