FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- There was so much optimism coming into the season about the direction of the Atlanta Falcons’ defense and how it might develop into one of the league's top units under fiery defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel.
Then attrition hit.
First, Pro Bowl strong safety Keanu Neal was lost to a season-ending left ACL tear. Then Pro Bowl middle linebacker Deion Jones was placed on injured reserve and will be out until at least Nov. 18 following right foot surgery.
After watching defensive ends Takkarist McKinley and Derrick Shelby suffer groin injuries -- McKinley apparently is progressing faster than Shelby -- the Falcons then lost arguably their most important defensive player when free safety Ricardo Allen went down this past Sunday with a season-ending torn Achilles tendon.