Falcons 'D' passes another big test
The Falcons have dramatically improved on defense under first-year head coach Dan Quinn and they passed their biggest tests of the season over the final two weeks of the season.
After the defense led the way as the Falcons handed the Panthers their first loss of the season last weekend, the unit slowed the Saints’ high-powered offense on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. It wasn’t enough for a victory against the Saints because the offense misfired again but the defense improved from probably the worst in the league in 2014 to respectable in 2015.
“Those guys were rolling, man,” Falcons wide receiver Roddy White said after the 20-17 defeat to the Saints. “Those guys did an excellent job of getting turnovers all throughout the year and helping us out and getting the ball back for us. Came up with a lot of key, timely stops in order for us to win games. They played well.”
The defense made two key stops in the fourth quarter to preserve a tie in against the Saints.
The Saints took over at their four-yard line when defensive tackle John Jenkins forced Devonta Freeman to fumble and recovered it. The Saints marched down the field to gain a first-and-goal at the 12, converting three third downs along the way.
Running back Travaris Cadet caught a nine-yard pass to the one-yard line. But Falcons safety Charles Godfrey forced Cadet to fumble on a second down carry and teammate Robert Alford recovered at the one-yard line.
The offense couldn’t take advantage of that gift end ended up punting when Andy Levitre was called for a personal foul to push the Falcons out of field-goal range. The defense rallied again, stopping the Saints on three plays to force a punt with 1:55 to go, but Matt Ryan’s interception set up the game-winning field goal.
The defense saved the Falcons in the 20-13 victory against the Panthers the weekend before. They held the Panthers to their lowest point total of the season while limiting them to a field goal after the offense lost a fumble inside the 40-yard line, and then stopped them twice within the final 1:48.
The Saints entered the game ranked second in yards per game and seventh in points, while the Panthers were 10th in yards per game and second in points. Finishing up a promising year on defense with strong performances against those units is something for the Falcons to build on.
“No doubt,” Falcons defensive end Jonathan Babineaux said. “If everybody can just be on the same page and follow what (Quinn) has for us, there is no limit to our team.”
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