The growing belief surrounding the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive rise was exciting for numerous reasons. They hired a defensive coach from its biggest rival to change the landscape of a unit in desperate need of an identity. Adding stellar talent and capable veterans in free agency created optimism that they could be a competent unit after five seasons of below-average to appalling performance. They surpassed that so far in becoming a solid defense with some great games, with Jessie Bates and David Onyemata playing at exceptional levels.
Unheralded players like Dee Alford and Nate Landman had emerged as dependable starters.