The Falcons’ defense has been put under great duress the past two games.
After being the No. 1 run defense in the NFL, the Falcons wore down in the fourth quarter against Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
Linebacker Paul Worrilow knows the unit must sustain its level of play against the run-heavy Carolina Panthers and play fast and physical if they plan to end their five-game losing streak.
“We have to get back to playing defense like we were and putting some good football out there,” he said. “It’s just about running and tackling.”
Behind running back Jonathan Stewart and quarterback Cam Newton, the Panthers have rushed 413 times for 1,703 yards (141.9 yards a game, third in the NFL) and 13 touchdowns.
The Falcons held up against Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson until he busted loose late. He finished with a 158 yards on 29 carries.
Last week, with a chance to get off the field, Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston broke four tackles for 20 yards to pick up a first down.
The pursuit by defensive linemen Adrian Clayborn, Jonathan Babineaux and Vic Beasley was lacking.
Coach Dan Quinn was irate that they didn’t swarm to the ball and defensive coordinator Richard Smith called it “bad ball.”
The Falcons know they must swarm to the ball against the Panthers or Stewart and Newton will shred the defense.
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