When we were assessing the Falcons’ depth chart in the offseason over the past four years, one of the immediate concerns was the personnel across their defensive line. It seemed hope was their strategy for fulfilling the edge-rushing need. No successful plan in the NFL uses hope as the primary driver behind decision-making, which is probably why the Falcons saw little success.
Looking at the roster, there was no justification for depending on the type of edge rushers to play significant snaps that the Falcons were reliant on. The same applies to the interior line, with largely underwhelming or overmatched talent lining up alongside Grady Jarrett.