Falcons Defensive Pass Rush Shows Improvement Under Ulbrich

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's vision for a more effective pass rush is beginning to materialize. Following the selection of edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Ulbrich emphasized the importance of a sustainable four-man rush.

The Falcons achieved a significant milestone during their Week 12 victory over the New Orleans Saints, marking a critical step towards sustained success. The Falcons' pass rush now ranks third in the NFL with 39 sacks, showcasing their improvement.

Notably, the team's blitz strategy has been aggressive, with five or more pass rushers sent on 41 percent of opposing pass plays, the second-highest rate in the league. Their sack rate on those blitzes leads the NFL at 18 percent, while they also rank fifth with a 51 percent pressure rate.

Linebacker Kaden Elliss has emerged as a crucial player, leading the team with 24 pressures entering Week 12. However, a pivotal change occurred in the game against the Saints, where the Falcons blitzed just eight times, which is a season-low of 15 percent on the Saints' dropbacks.

Remarkably, they maintained a pressure rate of 38 percent, matching their overall season average. Prior to this game, the Falcons had generated pressure on only 29 percent of their four-man rushes, placing them 27th in the league.

The standout performance of James Pearce, Arnold Ebiketie, and Leonard Floyd, who collectively recorded 15 pressures against the Saints, was instrumental in this success. Pearce, in particular, has shown marked improvement, generating 15 pressures in the last four games, with a pressure rate of 16 percent, doubling his previous rate of 7 percent.

While Pearce and Walker show promise, the Falcons will continue to utilize a deep rotation among their edge rushers to maximize efficiency. Ebiketie led the team with six pressures against the Saints, while Floyd remains the top edge rusher with a 16 percent pressure rate during four-man rushes.

All four edge rushers, including Pearce, Walker, Ebiketie, and Floyd, have pressure rates between 13 and 16 percent, demonstrating the effectiveness of their strategy. The key question remains whether this newfound effectiveness can be sustained against tougher opponents, as the Saints presented a favorable matchup with a compromised offensive line.

The Falcons' defensive performance will be crucial as they aim for a strong finish to the season, reflecting Ulbrich's commitment to developing a reliable pass rush that can compete consistently.