The Falcons protection struggled in Lake’s one 12 months teaching it. He did not construct on a promising 2023 season when the unit ranked 18th in scoring (21.9 factors per recreation) and eleventh in yards allowed (321.1 yards per recreation). It was the primary time the unit completed inside the highest 20 in each defensive classes since 2017.
This season, Atlanta ranked twenty third in each scoring (24.9 factors per recreation) and complete protection (345.2 yards per recreation). Quarterbacks accomplished 69.9 p.c of their passes, the best completion proportion allowed by a protection this season, and threw for 34 touchdowns, the second-most allowed by a protection.
Atlanta entered 2024 as the favorite (-130) to win the NFC South, however as an alternative, it prolonged its postseason drought to seven seasons.
The following defensive coordinator has his work lower out for him. Not solely should he repair a nasty secondary, however Atlanta was mediocre at stopping the run, too, rating 18th in yards per rush try allowed (4.5 yards).
The Falcons even have arguably the league’s worst move rush. Atlanta completed the season with 31 sacks, the league’s second-fewest. Its 20 p.c strain charge ranked twenty fifth.
A minimum of the following coordinator will get to educate security Jessie Bates, who the Falcons added in 2023 as probably the greatest free-agent signings in current historical past.
In two seasons with the group, Bates has 234 tackles, 10 interceptions, seven compelled fumbles and two touchdowns.
Atlanta has spent closely on offensive expertise over the previous few seasons, together with utilizing its final 4 top-10 picks on tight finish Kyle Pitts, broad receiver Drake London, working again Bijan Robinson and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
If these investments repay, the Falcons would solely want a reliable protection to doubtlessly earn a stranglehold of the NFC South, which the Buccaneers have gained the previous 4 seasons.
Atlanta swept the season collection in 2024, so it is not that removed from knocking Tampa from its perch. Firing Lake was the correct transfer to get the Falcons to succeed in their full potential.
