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Week 2 was really a show put up by the Falcons‘ defense, causing six sacks and two interceptions in an overwhelmingly tremendous display that set the imaginations of analysts and fans on fire. The teams opposing them were overwhelmed with such an astonishing pass rush yet an opportunistic secondary, a potential uplift into the defensive capability of the franchise.
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The social media had almost erupted when the NFL posted an official highlight clip for the defensive glories of the Falcons. The video showcased many sacks; emphasis was placed on one sack worthy of being in the record books, for pressure created a fumble recovery, thereby displaying the savage, bone-crushing might of the unit. Comments poured in, ranging from highly laudatory to cautiously optimistic, with a fair share of comments to describe a fledgling-time performance.
One comment stated cheerfully, “Falcons are in my best 5! keep going!” While another user remarked, “Bout time they have a pass rush,” for Atlanta has been without a pass rush in recent years. Such vibes were praised quite graciously by fans with their share of fire emojis.
However, not every spectator too quick to crown the Falcons defense an elite unit after just one showing. A cautious and measured spectator educated everybody, saying, “Not praising shit yet. Let’s see them 10 weeks later for playoffs. This was a depleted defense, don’t false hype them up,” clearly demanding consistency.
The pressure would have particularly interested rookie QB JJ McCarthy, for he kept facing pressure all over. “It’s too early to conclude anything yet, but JJ looks like he fits the mold of another failed first-round pick. And I’m a Viking fan,” expressed a user, indicating concerns for the young QB’s development on account of heavy defensive pressure.
Another lament came with disdain for the offensive line: “We wouldn’t want to be in that OL meeting today,” and somebody else took it further: “Falcons put belt to ass on them,” a colorful description of this defense’s domination.
The telling defensive display by the Falcons is an early-season development for a team often regarded as one for offensive firepower rather than defensive solidity. Two interceptions and six sacks ought to suddenly alter the course of entire NFL seasons.
Later in the season, analysis will highly anticipate if the Falcons can maintain such exemplary defense against well-oiled offensive lines and veteran QBs. At least for a week, this ought to lead to conversation about a more balanced and competitive type of team.
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If the signs are anything to go by, the Falcons might have identified a defensive identity that could make them into far more balanced football outfits. That being said, the sample size is slippery-small for the enormity of the uphill battles that lie ahead.
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