2025 was a big year of improvement for the Atlanta Falcons' defense. Their secondary was already in good shape and continued to play tight coverage, and they finally got some great pass rushing production, finishing the year second to Denver in sacks.
The Falcons still struggled against the run, though, which brought down their ceiling. The end result was a modest improvement in their scoring defense, going being ranked from 23rd in the league to 19th.
How can they do better this year? Here's Gary Davenport at Bleacher Report breaking down the best-case scenario for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and his unit this coming season.
"The Falcons showed real improvement defensively last year, and the best-case scenario in 2026 is for that improvement to continue. They need a pass rush that again ranks at or near the top of the league in sacks and a seamless replacement of the departed Kaden Elliss with Divine Deablo at linebacker. They also need a third cornerback to step up alongside A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes. If they get those things, the Falcons could have the NFC South's best defense."
The pass rush question is still to be determined, and will be largely based on what happens with James Pearce Jr. and how long the NFL decides to suspend him. Improvement from Jalon Walker would certainly help, as would continued efforts from Brandon Dorlus inside. They'll need others to step up as well, though.
The Falcons still struggled against the run, though, which brought down their ceiling. The end result was a modest improvement in their scoring defense, going being ranked from 23rd in the league to 19th.
How can they do better this year? Here's Gary Davenport at Bleacher Report breaking down the best-case scenario for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and his unit this coming season.
"The Falcons showed real improvement defensively last year, and the best-case scenario in 2026 is for that improvement to continue. They need a pass rush that again ranks at or near the top of the league in sacks and a seamless replacement of the departed Kaden Elliss with Divine Deablo at linebacker. They also need a third cornerback to step up alongside A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes. If they get those things, the Falcons could have the NFC South's best defense."
The pass rush question is still to be determined, and will be largely based on what happens with James Pearce Jr. and how long the NFL decides to suspend him. Improvement from Jalon Walker would certainly help, as would continued efforts from Brandon Dorlus inside. They'll need others to step up as well, though.
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