Grady Jarrett, Falcons defense face stiff challenge

Jarrett, who ranks third on the team with 22 tackles, knows the defense must step up its level of play against the Cowboys.

In the Falcons’ 27-25 win over the Saints, the Falcons defense allowed 19 consecutive points in the fourth quarter after having a 24-6 lead. Ultimately, they were bailed out by the offense and kicker Younghoe Koo.

Jarrett is the anchor of the defense, which is giving up 360.5 yards per game, 17th in the league.

“Just always wanting to grow as a player and accomplish my goals personally,” Jarrett said. “When I do that, I can be my best for the team.”

Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees knows that Jarrett is an important cog to the unit.

“When you talk to him or you coach him, he takes it just like any rookie or anybody else,” Pees said. “That’s what’s so great about those really great players, is they don’t sit back like they got all of the answers. They listen and anything that’s going to make them better, they’re going to do it to try and make themselves better.”

Prescott and the running back tandem of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard could be problematic for the Falcons’ defense. Pees knows that his defense must be ready to tackle both running backs at the point of attack.

The Cowboys average 142.8 yards per game, which ranks third in the league, while the Falcons give up 123.1 yards per game, which ranks 24th.

“When they get him the ball, every player on the defense is at the point of attack,” Pees said. “I’ve seen folks (supposed to run in) and (Elliott) has jumped outside and got the big gain. That’s the biggest thing about those two guys, they can run downhill, they have low-center gravity. When you tackle them, you better bring everybody to the party.”

Elliott ranks fifth in rushing in the NFL with 622 yards. Pollard has gained 403.

The Cowboys also have one of the league’s top passing attacks, one that features wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper.

Lamb has 41 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Cooper has 40 catches for 532 yards and five touchdowns. Also, tight end Dalton Schultz presents a challenge. He has 37 catches for 424 yards and three touchdowns.

“It’s a really talented football team,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “It’s been in the top of a lot of offensive categories the last couple of years. They’ve invested heavily in the wideouts and the whole offense.”

Prescott returned from a calf injury Sunday, and the Cowboys were upset by Denver 30-14. He has completed 69.4% of his passes and has thrown 18 touchdown passes and five interceptions.

“They have a real good quarterback,” Smith said. “Dak is as good as there is in the league. They’ve got some explosive players out there.”

Before the loss to Denver, the Cowboys won six in a row. The Falcons have won four of their past six and are coming off their win over the Saints.

“The whole goal is to win the football game,” Smith said. “We’re sitting at 4-4, where we deserve to be, but we’re right in the mix. We want to be playing meaningful games this time of year, and we are. This is a big game for us. They are a good football team.”

In addition to Jarrett, Falcons cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Fabian Moreau must turn in strong games.

“Fabian has had a solid year,” Smith said of the strong tackling Moreau. “I enjoy working with Fabian. He’s a quiet, professional. That’s a huge complement.”

The Falcons may need some contributions from some unsung players like they received against the Saints. Smith cited outside linebacker James Vaughters and defensive tackle Anthony Rush for their play Sunday.

Vaughters had a sack-strip, and Rush had three tackles and pushed folks around.

“It’s going to be a big one for us,” Vaughters said. “Being in the situation that we are in, trying to get above .500. We don’t want anything more than to go 1-0 this week.”

-AJC Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter contributed to this article.

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