Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi’s production increased with more snaps against the Bears.
He led the defense with a sack, three hurries and two quarterback hits as the Falcons had a semblance of a pass rush for the first time this season. With Massaquoi receiving some of Kroy Biermann’s snaps, the defense had 18 quarterback hurries, three hits and two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus’ film review of the game.
“I feel as though I left a couple of sacks out there,” Massaquoi said. “Jay Cutler is quick with getting that ball out. I must have more urgency to be able to capitalize on those plays and get the quarterback on the ground.”
Biermann has been an ineffective pass rusher and his playing time has been cut. He played 42 of 73 snaps (58 percent) against the Bears. He played 68 percent against the Giants and 75 percent against the Vikings. He played 91 percent of the snaps in the season opener against the Saints.
Biermann was actually more productive with fewer snaps. He had his first positive Pro Football Focus grade of the season and recorded five run stops and led all 3-4 outside linebackers in run-stop percentage by having a stop on 26.7 percent on run plays.
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