The Falcons took a real step forward on defense in 2025, but the unit still had a clear flaw that kept it from reaching another level. Atlanta’s secondary held up well and the pass rush finally started producing at a high rate, with the team finishing second to Denver in sacks. Even so, the run defense remained a problem, and that helped hold the Falcons to a modest jump in scoring defense, from 23rd to 19th.
That’s the backdrop for Gary Davenport’s best-case look at Jeff Ulbrich’s defense this season. The Bleacher Report analyst sees a path where Atlanta keeps climbing if a few specific things fall into place.
“The Falcons showed real improvement defensively last year, and the best-case scenario in 2026 is for that improvement to continue. They need a pass rush that again ranks at or near the top of the league in sacks and a seamless replacement of the departed Kaden Elliss with Divine Deablo at linebacker.
They also need a third cornerback to step up alongside A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes.
If they get those things, the Falcons could have the NFC South's best defense.”
A lot of that hinges on the front seven. The pass rush still has some uncertainty around James Pearce Jr. and how long the NFL decides to suspend him.
Jalon Walker taking another step would help, and so would continued pressure from Brandon Dorlus inside. Atlanta will need more than just those names, though, if it wants to stay near the top of the league in sacks.
Linebacker is another spot worth watching. Divine Deablo is taking over as the new green dot wearer after a strong 2025 season, but the depth behind him is a question. With Kaden Elliss now in New Orleans, the Falcons are going to need Christian Harris to elevate his play.
The secondary still looks like a strength. A.J.
Terrell and Mike Hughes give Atlanta a solid foundation, and Avieon Terrell has a chance to become that third corner. Still, his size raises some concerns, and he may fit better in the slot than on the boundary.
If those pieces come together, this defense has a chance to move from average to top-10. And if that happens, it should be enough to help Atlanta win the division, provided the quarterback play on the other side is at least passable.
In Other News...
This Falcons Veteran Is Suddenly Hard To Ignore Up Front
The Falcons went into the spring looking for help up front, and DaShawn Hand has quickly made himself part of the conversation. Signed to a one-year deal to stiffen the run defense and help bring along a young group of defensive tackles, the veteran has been noticeable enough during minicamp to draw attention from both the coaching staff and the beat writers covering the team.
Marc Raimondi singled Hand out as one of the defensive lines key spring performers, and that kind of buzz matters for a unit still sorting out its identity. Defensive line coach Nate Ollie has also taken a clear liking to what he has seen, which only adds to the sense that Hand is pushing toward a larger role as the Falcons continue their offseason work. [Read more 🡒]
Michael Penix Jr. Still Has One Major Test In Falcons QB Battle
Michael Penix Jr. is still working his way back from a partially torn ACL, but the expectation is that he will be cleared for full contact before or during Falcons training camp. Until that happens, the quarterback battle has hardly had a chance to get off the ground, with Penix unable to fully take part in the kind of work that would give Atlanta a real read on where he stands.
Tua Tagovailoa, meanwhile, has already helped himself with a strong showing in offseason work, including mandatory minicamp, where his accuracy stood out. For Penix, the challenge is simple and sizable: he has to show he can throw with enough consistency to make this a legitimate competition, especially after a career completion rate that has not yet crossed 60%. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Suddenly Face A Costly Bijan Robinson Contract Dilemma
The Falcons have already locked up Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson is next in line as Atlanta looks to keep its young core intact. With two seasons left on his rookie deal, Robinson is not in immediate danger of hitting the market, but his extension is already shaping up as one of the more important financial decisions the franchise will make as it tries to stay ahead of a rising price at running back.
The wrinkle is that Atlanta is not negotiating in a vacuum. The Falcons are in a quiet waiting game with the Lions, who are working through their own extension talks for Jahmyr Gibbs, and both sides want to be the team that does not blink first. NFL Networks Tom Pelissero has pointed out that the club that signs its back first could end up getting the better number, while the second deal may carry the heavier cost, which is exactly why this one figures to drag on awhile. [Read more 🡒]