Falcons middle linebacker Paul Worrilow, who led the team in tackles for the second consecutive season, believes the defense made strides in 2015.
“But the important thing now is to do that again,” said Worrilow, the unit’s signal-caller, on Monday. “Make more improvements and that starts right now. Taking time off and getting your body back. Staying in touch with everybody. We’ve built a good foundation that we can really build on and thrive upon.”
Worrilow led the Falcons with 155 tackles in 2014 when they posted a 6-10 mark and were ranked in the bottom of the league in most key defensive categories. He had 96 tackles and two interceptions this past season.
“I’m just most proud of the guys on the team,” Worrilow said. “What it really comes down to is what we did every week in practice and how much effort everybody put in.”
The Falcons finished in the bottom half of the league in pass defense. They gave up 242.6 yards per game, which ranked 18th in the league. The Falcons gave up 105 yards rushing per game, which ranked 14th in the league.
The Falcons gave up 347.6 total yards per game, which ranked 17th in the league. The Falcons gave up 21.6 points per game, which ranked 14th in the league.
“You can make stats out to say something or slant them one way or another, but I’m just proud of my teammates as a whole,” Worrilow said.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn was frank in final meeting with the team on “Tell the Truth” Monday.
“The truth is, we are done playing,” Worrilow said. “That’s unacceptable.”
