The Falcons’ run defense is absolutely bonkers right now, and if you’re not watching, you should be. They’ve flat out demolished opposing rushing offenses this season, letting up a measly 47.7 yards per game and just 2.8 yards per attempt. Both of those are league-bests, by the way, with only two explosive rushes allowed. That’s a total shutdown, guys, and it’s a complete flip from last year’s bottom-10 unit. The Ravens are heading to Atlanta next Sunday, so tonight’s Monday Night Football matchup between the Falcons and Saints is literally a live scouting report for their next opponent.
Is Michael Penix Jr. For Real This Time?
Let’s talk Penix. He didn’t just have a solid 2026 debut against the Packers last week, he dropped one of the better performances of his young NFL career. Averaging a wild +0.24 EPA/dropback on his way to a 35-14 win? That’s not just good, that’s “wait, what?” territory. Yeah, their offensive line is healthy and the run game is humming, which helps, but Penix’s individual play has been a rollercoaster for years. This guy has been up, he’s been down, but that Packers game? It was a statement. Can he keep that level against a Saints pass defense that’s been efficient this year, even holding the Ravens to only 233 yards through the air in Week 2? Tonight’s game is a huge test for him, showing us if he’s truly turned a corner before he faces Baltimore next week.
The Falcons’ Run Defense Is a Brick Wall, Seriously
Okay, back to that run defense, because it’s genuinely confusing how good they are. Along with those league-best numbers, they’ve got a 21.2% stuff rate and a -0.22 EPA/rush, both ranking among the NFL’s top three. It’s a total reversal from last year, and the reasons aren’t even fully clear. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski kept defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, and they didn’t really go all-in on front-seven personnel. Sure, getting Gervon Dexter Sr. from the Bears definitely upgraded the offensive line, but he hasn’t exactly been a dominant run defender himself. This is a huge problem for the Ravens because if Lamar Jackson is sidelined next week with that ankle injury, they’ll HAVE to lean on their run game. But with their own offensive line injuries? They’re already at a huge disadvantage against *this* Falcons front. Ravens’ Dwayne Ledford better be glued to the TV tonight, looking for literally any weakness.
What’s even wilder is how this impacts the Ravens’ defensive philosophy. Jesse Minter, their defensive coordinator, builds his whole scheme around stopping the run out of nickel, even dime, personnel. He wants those five-plus defensive backs on the field to slow down opposing passing games, relying on his safeties and linebackers to step up in run support. So far, it’s been mixed results for Baltimore. They’re sixth-best in the league with -0.09 EPA/rush allowed, but they’re also eighth-worst with +0.55 rush yards over expected/attempt. That might just not cut it against a Falcons offense that’s averaging 5.0 yards per carry, -0.01 EPA/rush, and +0.70 RYOE/attempt. Bijan Robinson might just force Minter to abandon his preferred scheme and play more base defense than he wants.
So, yeah, it’s going to be wild next Sunday watching the Ravens try to crack that Falcons squad. But speaking of wild, how about our own Hawks absolutely getting after it last week? The Los Angeles Chargers came to Lumen Field, and we sent them packing with a 30-23 win! Talk about a statement early in the season, right? That’s what we love to see. Bring on next Sunday!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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