Atlanta GA, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons have made notable strides in their defense during the early part of the 2025 NFL season, currently ranking second in total yards and passing yards allowed. With new acquisitions like Leonard Floyd and successful draft picks, the team’s defensive performance marks a significant turnaround from last season’s struggles. The Falcons are on pace for an impressive number of sacks, and key players have stepped up to enhance the overall defensive game. As they prepare for tougher opponents, Atlanta aims to maintain this momentum.
Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons have shown significant improvements in their defense in the early part of the 2025 NFL season, moving away from their previous underwhelming performance last year where they finished second-to-last in sacks. Currently, the Falcons are ranked second in the league for total yards allowed per game at 229.0 yards and second in passing yards allowed per game at 139.5 yards. Additionally, the team stands ninth in rushing yards given up per game with 89.5 yards, and they are effectively restricting their opponents to an average of only 14.5 points allowed per game.
In terms of pressuring the opposing quarterbacks, the Falcons have recorded a total of five sacks, ranking fifth in the league. Last season, the team ended with a total of 31 sacks, but they are currently on pace for an impressive 59.5 sacks this season. This marked improvement has garnered attention, with former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Domonique Foxworth expressing surprise and admiration for the defense’s newfound prowess.
The Falcons’ management took decisive steps to bolster their defensive capabilities during the offseason. General manager Terry Fontenot prioritized improving the pass rush, reaching a one-year, fully guaranteed contract deal worth $10 million with veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd. Floyd has quickly made an impact with four pressures, two hurries, and one sack over the first two games.
Furthermore, in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons used their first-round picks to enhance their pass-rushing-ability, selecting linebacker Jalon Walker (15th overall) and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. (26th overall). Both rookies recorded their first career sacks in Week 2 during a victory against the Minnesota Vikings, with Pearce’s contribution being a half-sack shared with teammate Brandon Dorlus.
Linebacker Divine Deablo, who was signed to a two-year, $14 million contract—$7.6 million of which is guaranteed—has become the highest-graded player on the Falcons’ defense according to Pro Football Focus, boasting an impressive PFF grade of 87.1. Deablo ranks ninth among 111 linebackers in the league based on evaluation scales. Rookies Billy Bowman Jr. and Xavier Watts have also stepped up significantly, with Bowman achieving 10 total tackles, two passes defended, 0.5 sacks, a quarterback hit, and an interception, while Watts has tallied eight tackles and three passes defended.
Second-year players Brandon Dorlus and Ruke Orhorhoro have further strengthened the Falcons’ defense, with Dorlus contributing 1.5 sacks and Orhorhoro ranking ninth in pass rush win rate for interior defensive linemen at 12.0%. The early results of the Falcons’ investment in defense, alongside effective player buy-in and a strong scheme implemented by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, have yielded positive outcomes. As the team prepares to face tougher opponents like Washington and Buffalo in the coming weeks, Atlanta aims to build on this defensive momentum. Notably, the Falcons are generating a high pressure rate, managing to pressure opposing quarterbacks at a rate of 53.3% of dropbacks, which is the highest since 2018. This determination contributed to an impressive display against the Vikings, where the Falcons achieved six sacks and 11 quarterback hits, emphasizing their focus on enhancing pass rush capabilities against rival offenses.
Key Statistics of the Atlanta Falcons’ Defense in the 2025 Season
| Category | Current Rank | Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards Allowed per Game | 2nd | 229.0 |
| Passing Yards Allowed per Game | 2nd | 139.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed per Game | 9th | 89.5 |
| Points Allowed per Game | 2nd | 14.5 |
| Total Sacks | 5th | 7.0 |
| Projected Total Sacks this Season | – | 59.5 |
| Highest Graded Player (Divine Deablo) | – | 87.1 PFF Grade |
FAQ
What is the Atlanta Falcons’ rank in total yards allowed per game?
The Atlanta Falcons are currently ranked second in the league for total yards allowed per game at 229.0.
How many sacks have the Falcons recorded so far?
The Falcons have recorded a total of seven sacks, which ranks fifth in the league.
What is the average points allowed per game by the Falcons in the 2025 season?
The Falcons are allowing an average of 14.5 points per game, ranking them second in the league.
Who are some key new acquisitions on the Falcons’ defense?
The Falcons signed veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd and linebackers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. during the offseason and the NFL Draft to bolster their defense.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Falcons Overwhelm Vikings in Sunday Night Football Showdown
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Additional Resources
- Fantasy Life: Week 3 Defense Streamers
- Sports Illustrated: Falcons Defense Changing Minds
- Atlanta Falcons: Mailbag on Defense
- NFL.com: Week 3 Fantasy Sleepers
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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