NFL Offseason - In these editions of Four Downs, we'll review the biggest hole on each team in the division and then give a short look at each team's major free agents for 2023.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest Need: Edge Rusher
The Falcons had an adjusted sack rate of 4.0%, worst in the league. The sad thing is, that's actually a slightly improvement over 2021, when their adjusted sack rate was 3.8%, worst in the league. They also had the lowest pressure rate and quarterback hurry rate according to Sportradar. They aren't entirely devoid of talent here—Arnold Ebiketie flashed some pass-rush skills early, though he tailed off badly in December—but it's a room full of complementary guys at best, with no big, beefy, one-on-one winners like new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen enjoyed on his line in New Orleans.