Look, it’s easy to see the 19 explosive plays allowed and the 519 yards surrendered and decide the defense cost Atlanta the game. That’s the surface-level takeaway. But that quick conclusion misses how often this unit steadied the Falcons while the offense kept giving possessions away.
Against the Colts, Jessie Bates III snatched his 26th career interception. A.J. Terrell Jr. battled through one big play after another. The run defense was atrocious, but what run defense hasn't been against Jonathan Taylor and that Colts' offensive line?
And the pass rush delivered seven sacks from seven different defenders, meaning they now have 13 sacks over the past 2 weeks with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.