The Atlanta Falcons have been searching for a consistent pass rush for nearly a decade. They reached rock bottom in 2021 after only managing to sack opposing quarterbacks a mere 18 times, but after making an investment last season there is potential hope that they can finally remedy their ailment despite only marginal improvement in that category in 2022.
Terry Fontenot selected Arnold Ebiketie with the 38th pick in the last year's Draft and while the 24-year-old pass rusher struggled with injuries, he showed flashes of what's to come. Despite only accounting for 2.5 sacks as a rookie, there's reason to believe that he could take a big step forward next season and Jon Chuckery discussed why that development is paramount for the success of the Falcons' defense.
The reaction from Chuckery spurs from an article written by Pro Football Focus regarding the landing spots for their top 50 free agents that he took exception with. They included outside acquisitions that included defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and safety Jessie Bates III.
"They don't understand where we are and what we need," he said about what PFF included about who the Falcons should be targeting.
Simply put, Jon doesn't believe they're addressing the right issues.
"Again, I'll make this really clear," Jon continued about what he saw the Falcons doing in regard to their pass rush. He gave a suggestion, "I'll sign [Justin] Houston or [Yannick] Ngakoue. I'll have Ebiketie start on one side, and I'll have either the number 8 pick, Ngakoue, or Houston standing on the other side and then I'll have maybe Ngakoue or Houston or the number eight pick and Lorenzo Carter and I'll rotate all of those guys. I'll rotate them all. If I can have the number eight pick, Ebiketie, Ngakoue, or Houston and Lorenzo Carter. I can play with those four guys on the outside. And I'll be better in my pass rush."
Chuckery is banking on another year of development for the Falcons' second-round pick last year. He sees Arnold Ebiketie as the straw that stirs the Falcons' drink.
"I'm counting on Ebiketie to make a big step forward," he continued. "He's the key. I said this weeks ago. He's the key. But $14 million safeties and a broken-down defensive end who's only played well when he's had the premier pass rusher opposite of him [is not the answer]."