The Atlanta Falcons’ Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks left fans and analysts alike wondering if the team’s secondary could hold up against the NFL’s elite passing attacks. While the Falcons’ defensive line showed promise, the secondary was repeatedly torched by Russell Wilson and company, raising concerns about their ability to compete in a division loaded with offensive firepower.
A Closer Look at the Falcons’ Secondary Struggles
Despite a strong pass rush that consistently pressured Wilson, the Falcons’ cornerbacks struggled mightily. Darqueze Dennard, expected to be the veteran anchor of the group, left the game early with an injury after surrendering a perfect completion rate on targets in his direction. Isaiah Oliver and rookie A.J. Terrell didn’t fare much better, allowing a combined 177.8 passer rating when targeted.
Even the normally reliable Ricardo Allen struggled when forced to cover the slot after Dennard’s injury. Allen, a key component of the Falcons’ preferred three-safety sets, posted an abysmal 29.8 PFF grade, raising concerns about the viability of that defensive scheme against top-tier competition.
Bright Spots and Room for Growth
While the overall performance was disheartening, there were a few bright spots for the Falcons’ secondary. Damontae Kazee played well in his full-time role at free safety, earning one of the highest grades on the defense. Keanu Neal’s return from injury also provided a boost, although he played a surprisingly low 82% of the defensive snaps.
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway is the potential for growth. Terrell, a first-round pick, was making his NFL debut against one of the league’s best quarterbacks. With experience, he should improve. The return of Kendall Sheffield from injury will also provide a boost to the secondary’s depth and talent.
The Challenge Ahead
The Falcons’ secondary faces another daunting task in Week 2 against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. Prescott, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and rookie CeeDee Lamb form one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the league, presenting a significant challenge for Atlanta’s young cornerbacks.
The Falcons’ ability to pressure Prescott and force him into quick decisions will be crucial. If the pass rush can replicate their Week 1 performance, it will go a long way toward mitigating the secondary’s weaknesses.
The Bottom Line
The Falcons’ Week 1 defensive performance was a stark reminder of the challenges facing this young secondary. While there is potential for improvement, the margin for error is slim in a competitive NFC South. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Falcons’ secondary can make the necessary adjustments to compete against the NFL’s best.
Falling to 0-2 would be a significant setback for Atlanta’s playoff aspirations. The performance of the secondary will likely determine whether the Falcons can avoid such a fate.
