Rich Mckay Chief Executive Officer – Ambse; Chief Executive Officer – Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Website
Rich Mckay Chief Executive Officer – Ambse; Chief Executive Officer – Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Website
The Atlanta Falcons are focusing on improving their pass rush as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys. The team's defense has been under scrutiny due to its low sack count, with only six recorded this season, the fewest in the NFL. Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "It's not good enough. You know, we got to get better at pass rush."
This week presents an opportunity for the Falcons against Dak Prescott, who is currently the 10th-most-sacked quarterback in the league. Prescott's sack rate is 6.43%, and he is averaging a career-low of 3.4 rushing yards per game.
Falcons players have expressed their determination to bring Prescott down behind the line of scrimmage. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving this goal: "A lot of guys are trying, it's just a strain thing... We got to go get it."
Jarrett leads the team with eight quarterback hits and shares the lead in sacks with outside linebacker Matthew Judon at 1.5 each. He believes there is another level for their pass rush to reach and highlighted improved preparation ahead of their Week 9 matchup.
Outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie noted that collaboration between different defensive positions has been beneficial: "(The preparation) has been very good in terms of us outside linebackers spending more time with interior guys." Safety Jessie Bates III also commented on the urgency within the team to improve their pass rush.
Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake expressed confidence in maintaining their current course without drastic changes. Jarrett remains optimistic about Sunday's game against Dallas: "We're gonna keep pressing, keep hunting... I got big goals that I want to achieve for not only myself (but) for the team."