Falcons' new defensive starting lineup with PFF grades
matt urben
·1 min read
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 18: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
As injuries began to pile up over the last week, the Atlanta Falcons made two bold moves to upgrade their defense. What originally seemed like a pipedream quickly became a reality as the team acquired two Pro Bowl players in less than 24 hours.
The Falcons traded for outside linebacker Matthew Judon and signed safety Justin Simmons. Judon is a game-changing presence off the edge while Simmons is a proven playmaker on the back end. The Falcons defense went from a slightly above-average unit to a potential strength entering the 2024 NFL season.
Let's take a look at the Falcons' new defensive starting lineup with Pro Football Focus grades for each player below:
Jul 28, 2023; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
DL Zach Harrison: 63.0
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 24: Zach Harrison #96 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a sack during the fourth quarter in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
OLB Matthew Judon: 70.2
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 06: Matthew Judon #9 of the New England Patriots reacts during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
ILB Kaden Elliss: 75.4
Oct 29, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) sneaks a peek against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
ILB Troy Andersen: 50.6
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 16: Jeff Wilson Jr. #22 of the San Francisco 49ers runs over Troy Andersen #44 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
OLB Arnold Ebiketie: 61.4
Aug 6, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) looks on during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
CB A.J. Terrell: 74.6
Jun 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive back A J Terrell (24) shown on the field during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
CB Mike Hughes: 51.8
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 22: Mike Hughes #21 of the Atlanta Falcons receives a punt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
S Jessie Bates III: 90.6
Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) runs after intercepting a pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
S Justin Simmons: 67.9
Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) warms up against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
NB Dee Alford: 70.0
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 10: Dee Alford #20 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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