The Atlanta Falcons are starting to earn respect across the NFL.
Their defense, in particular, has taken a massive leap forward, earning praise from circles around the league.
Most notably, the Falcons’ defense earned praise from ESPN’s Mina Kimes on her podcast The Mina Kimes Show.
Joined by Dominque Foxworth, Kimes broke down Atlanta’s defensive turnaround.
Sitting at 3-2 and coming off an impressive win against the Buffalo Bills, Kimes praised the Falcons’ pass rush, linebackers, and defensive effort.
The Falcons are starting to be far from an afterthought.
The defense is becoming a problem for offenses and can continue being the fire to fuel the Falcons through the season.
Falcons Earn Praise From Kimes
The Falcons are starting to get praise from the national spotlight.
Mina Kimes and her co-host Dominque Foxworth praised the Falcons’ win over the Buffalo Bills and highlighted their defensive turnaround.
The Falcons’ surging pass rush, swift linebackers and defensive line were at the top of the praise.
“It is dramatically better than last year, the pass rush is really where this thing is being bread and buttered right now,” said Kimes.
Having faced Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Kimes highlighted the Falcons’ ability to keep him contained.
“When they would rush four, it felt like the defensive line, without a spy, was so good at hemming in Allen. That was really impressive to me.”
The Falcons have been able to create pressure not only with their pass rushers in James Pearce Jr and Jalon Walker but also with their interior linebackers.
“They might have the best blitzing linebacking group in the NFL,” said Kimes.
Most notably referencing the play of Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo.
The new-look defense under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich isn’t just showing up for games; it’s starting to dictate them.
Atlanta’s New Look Defense Brings Hope
There is no question that the Falcons have had a remarkable turnaround on defense.
Most notably, Kimes and Foxworth giving praise to the unit underscores the direction this team looks to be headed.
Through five games, the Falcons sit at 3-2.
And much of that success starts with the defense.
They have been able to set the tone and keep games close.
A recipe for success to help quarterback Michael Penix in his development.
The rise of the Falcons’ defense isn’t a fluke. It is a result of good coaching, drafting and bringing in the right players.
Every player looks bought-in, and Ulbrich looks to have his guys ready week in and week out.
As the season continues, the defensive turnaround provides hope.
The defense remains the backbone of this team and has a chance to move to 4-2 with a date with the San Francisco 49ers this coming Sunday.
If this unit can continue to play heroics and lean on their workhorse running back Bijan Robinson, the Falcons could start chasing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South crown.
The Falcons’ defense has arrived, and this time the league is starting to pay attention.
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