The Falcons, it should be noted, were a top ten defense by several metrics in 2017. They improved by leaps and bounds, especially late in the year, and finished the year on an impressive note when they held the Super Bowl-winning Eagles to just 15 points.
Now, heading into 2018, the Falcons seem to be on the cusp of an elite defense. To really stick the landing, they’re going to need to add a piece or two and hope for good health, but even modest improvement will put them among the league’s better units.