The Falcons’ defense has not been stout this season and will be on the hot seat against the New Orleans Saints.
They have given up more than 400 total yards five times. They have allowed 900 yards over the past two games — 490 to Seattle and 410 to Tampa Bay.
The also gave up more than 400 yards to New Orleans (419), St. Louis (421), New England (448).
Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s unit has been plagued by missed tackles and big plays all season. Last week, the unit was steamrolled by Tampa Bay’s fourth-string running back, Bobby Rainey, for 163 yards rushing.
The Falcons have allowed 381.9 yards per game, which ranks 26th in the NFL. The Saints average 419.1 yards per game, second in the league.
“I know that our team has the effort and the heart,” safety William Moore said. “That’s going to be there. It might not look like it to some (people). … Like missing a tackle, we don’t like missing those. … One thing this team does is stick together. That’s all we (have) right now is ourselves, and we’re going to stick together.”
There could be changes in store.
Last week against Tampa Bay, rookie Zeke Motta, who was drafted as a strong safety, played 26 snaps (38 percent of the defensive snaps) at free safety for Thomas DeCoud.
“I was excited to be out there,” Motta said. “I felt comfortable. I felt like I belonged out there.”
He felt at home at free safety, where the Falcons ask that player to spend more time in man-to-man coverage.
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