The talk of the town
While the Falcons boast an impressive winning record overall and maintain an undefeated status within their division, a significant concern looms over Atlanta’s pass rush. Head coach Arthur Smith candidly addressed this pressing issue, stating on both Monday and Wednesday that the performance has simply not met expectations.
Statistics may be repetitive, yet they underline a startling reality: the Falcons are managing to secure victories in spite of their lackluster pass rush, rather than thriving because of it. As the season progresses, there will inevitably be moments where this shortcoming could prove decisive in a tightly contested match.
As of the current season, Atlanta has recorded a mere six sacks, an alarming figure given they have not made any new sacks since Week 5. They sit at the bottom in pressure rate and occupy the 28th position in total pressures. As Dak Prescott prepares to lead the Cowboys into Atlanta, one might assume this spells trouble for the Falcons. However, as noted by Amna Subhan this week, the situation might not be as dire as it appears.
Could this matchup present an opportunity for the pass rush to finally assert itself? Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is certainly hopeful for that outcome, expressing his commitment to improvement.
“We’re gonna keep pressing, keep hunting. I know I am, for sure,” Jarrett declared on Thursday. “I got big goals that I want to achieve for not only myself (but) for the team. Whether it’s an interior guy, outside guy, linebackers, or a nickel blitzing — we definitely want to get (the quarterback), we want to get to him bad.”
A first-down chance
Interestingly, the Cowboys’ offense has exhibited a notable lack of success on first down this season, landing them at the bottom of the league’s rankings.
According to the team website, Dallas holds the unfortunate distinction of having the lowest first-down success rate in the NFL at 32.5%. This dismal performance can largely be attributed to their struggle for consistent production in the run game, marking them with the second-lowest rushing success rate on first down by any team since 2016.
For a Falcons defense that has at times found it challenging to get off the field on third down due to frequent third-and-short situations, this could be an ideal opportunity to force Dallas into a series of third-and-longs. If the Falcons succeed in this endeavor, it could liberate their defense, allowing them the rare chance to fully unleash their pass rush and take control of the game.
### The Talk of the Town: Interview with Coach Arthur Smith
**Interviewer:** Coach Smith, thanks for joining us today. With your team’s impressive record, how critical is it for the Falcons to improve their pass rush, especially with Dak Prescott and the Cowboys coming to town?
**Arthur Smith:** Thanks for having me. It’s no secret that our pass rush hasn’t performed up to expectations. While we’re pleased with our overall record, a strong pass rush is key in tight games. Facing a quarterback like Dak, who can capitalize on even slight lapses in pressure, makes it even more pressing for us to step up.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that the team hasn’t recorded a sack since Week 5. What’s the plan to change that as you prepare for Dallas?
**Arthur Smith:** We’re working diligently to address this issue in practice. We’ve been analyzing our techniques and formations. It’s about understanding our personnel and finding ways to generate more consistent pressure, so we can help our secondary and disrupt Prescott’s rhythm.
**Interviewer:** The statistics are telling – sitting at the bottom in pressure rate and 28th in total pressures isn’t ideal. How do you keep the morale up among the players when results aren’t meeting expectations?
**Arthur Smith:** It’s vital to keep a positive mindset. We celebrate the wins, but we’re also honest about our shortcomings. Our players are professionals, and they understand that the NFL is about adapting and improving. We’re focused on building confidence and execution one day at a time.
**Interviewer:** Do you feel the current defensive strategy needs to evolve to better utilize your defensive talent?
**Arthur Smith:** Absolutely. We’re continuously evaluating our strategy. We have talented players on that side of the ball, and it’s crucial we put them in positions to succeed. This week, we’ll adjust our game plan to maximize our strengths against the Cowboys.
**Interviewer:** what’s your message to the fans as you gear up for this pivotal matchup?
**Arthur Smith:** We appreciate the unwavering support from our fan base. We’re committed to improving, and we need their energy this weekend. Let’s come together and show what Falcon football is all about—excitement, grit, and determination.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach. Best of luck against the Cowboys!
**Arthur Smith:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to the challenge.
