Falcons passing game coordinator Jerome Henderson, the only new member of coach Dan Quinn’s coaching staff heading into his second season, has a daunting task.

With stable quarterback situations in the NFC South, Henderson must coordinate the pass defense to contend with New Orleans’ Drew Brees, Carolina’s Cam Newton and the emerging Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay.

“It is a big challenge,” Henderson said. “This is a very tough division. You look at what the Panthers did last year. You look at how Tampa is growing with the young quarterback and Brees in the wily veteran.

“It’s a tough, tough (division) when you look at defending the pass.”

The Falcons offseason focus was to improve the pass defense by revamping the linebackers corps, adding safety Kenau Neal in the draft and the continued development of Jalen Collins at right cornerback.

“That’s why you look at some of the picks and it was so that we can get better in coverage,” Henderson said. “Those young linebackers who can run and Keanu Neal the safety. We are trying to get better to defend the pass and get better skill-sets in here so that we can go out and we look at those guys in the eye and say, ‘Let’s go.’ ”

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (left) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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