ON THE FALCONS BEAT
ON THE FALCONS BEAT

X-Factor: Run defense has been lacking in all four losses

Dion Sims of the Bears is tackled by Falcons linebacker Deion Jones during the season-opening game Sunday at Chicago's Soldier Field.
Dion Sims of the Bears is tackled by Falcons linebacker Deion Jones during the season-opening game Sunday at Chicago's Soldier Field.
By
Nov 9, 2017

The Falcons’ run defense will be X-factor Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, who average 148.1 yards per game and rank second in the NFL.

The Falcons give up 114.5 yards rushing per game, which ranks 18th in the league (in the bottom half).

One of the common denominators in the Falcons’ four losses is that they have given up more than 100 yards rushing in each game. They gave up 201 yards against Carolina, when they failed to defend quarterback Cam Newton on designed running plays. He rushed for 86 yards.

In losses to New England (162 yards), Miami (138 yards) and Buffalo (117 yards), the run defense was lacking.

“I don’t think the scheme would change because the style of what they do is pretty clear,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London smiles with wide receiver Chris Blair while maneuvering the ball during minicamp at the team's training facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons are on the clock after Garrett Wilson signs megadeal with Jets

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who was drafted two spots behind Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London, reset the new market for the position.

Check out all of the AJC’s Falcons preseason position previews

Atlanta Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter breaks down the Atlanta Falcons before they report to training camp July 23 for their first practice July 24.

Falcons hoping to unlock the various skills of Kyle Pitts

This is a very important season for Kyle Pitts, who’s in the final year of his rookie contract with the Falcons.

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London smiles with wide receiver Chris Blair while maneuvering the ball during minicamp at the team's training facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons are on the clock after Garrett Wilson signs megadeal with Jets

Falcons hoping to unlock the various skills of Kyle Pitts

Check out all of the AJC’s Falcons preseason position previews

Featured

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (right) tours the Vine City neighborhood with his senior advisor Courtney English (left). (Matt Reynolds/AJC 2024)

Credit: Matt Reynolds

Atlanta Mayor Dickens names Courtney English interim chief of staff

A top adviser to the mayor, English previously served as chair of the Atlanta Board of Education.

The new airport chief wants you to have to spend less time at the airport

“I think we still have to make the case that it is the most efficient terminal in the world,” Ricky Smith told the AJC's editorial board.

What to know if you’re headed to Truist Park for All-Star Game events

A guide to weather, transportation and ballpark security.