South Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons defense made positive strides last season, yet there's still more progress that can be made.

In 2022, the Falcons were ranked No. 23 in points allowed and No. 27 in yards allowed among the NFL. In 2023, those rankings improved to 18th and 11th, respectively. A top-10 marker would be the next step in those overall categories.

That prompts the latest Question of the Week: What is the biggest question facing the Falcons defense in 2024? The Falcons editorial staff of Terrin Waack and Amna Subhan provide their insights below. Tori McElhaney is on vacation and therefore not participating this week.

WAACK: How are the Falcons going to roll out their inside linebackers? That position group is stacked with talent.

Kaden Elliss has been a proven starter since he joined Atlanta in 2023. Nate Landman proved himself as a starter last season, filling in full-time from Week 4 onwards. Troy Andersen was poised to continue proving himself last year but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3.

Now, in 2024, all three are back – and healthy. That's advantageous for the Falcons but also presents an interesting challenge.

Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake has said Atlanta will run a base 3-4 defense, which typically features two inside linebackers. However, head coach Raheem Morris mentioned there's a possibility that rule could be adjusted to accommodate all three players on the field simultaneously.

"You get creative," Morris said. "You get innovative."

Such teases pique interest more out of curiosity than concern.

Adding another layer to this situation is JD Bertrand, whom the Falcons drafted as an inside linebacker in the fifth round back in April. General manager Terry Fontenot described Bertrand as "a smart, instinctive football player."

The Falcons also have Milo Eifler and Donavan Mutin to consider within this deep position group.

SUBHAN: There has been significant discussion about quarterbacks at the beginning of this offseason; however, cornerback remains an ongoing question until resolved next season. Who will start opposite A.J. Terrell?

So far, the Falcons are closely evaluating their existing roster after not selecting a defensive back in the 2024 NFL Draft and signing only a few veteran players early in free agency. Secondary coach Justin Hood and assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray express confidence in their current options.

"We got a lot of young guys that are out competing for that spot," Gray said. "That's what we try to tell them: 'Look, there is nothing set in pen; your job is to go out and compete every day and let us make a decision on what you can do.'"

During offseason open practices, Mike Hughes received some reps alongside Terrell. When Terrell did not participate two weeks ago, Clark Phillips III stepped up.

Phillips also started five games at the end of last season during his rookie year; thus it’s unsurprising to see him getting first-team opportunities again now. Head coach Raheem Morris praised Phillips' performance this offseason, especially noting his recent pick-six during non-contact scrimmage sessions.

"You love the nature of the human; he's just built for football and you can just tell," Morris said. "I'm sure he goes to the grocery store thinking about football. He's got a little bit of alien to him in that way."

As training camp approaches, these evaluations will continue with curiosity surrounding who will secure starting reps with Terrell during mandatory minicamp if everyone attends.

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