It’s time to talk about the pass rush! Specifically, do we have any reason to think it’ll improve in 2019?
Let’s tackle that loaded question with a little history. The Falcons were tied for 22nd in the NFL in sacks in 2018, putting up 37 largely on the backs of their four nominal starting defensive linemen, who combined to put up close to 75% of them. Here’s how that stacks up against recent years:
2018: 37 (22nd)
2017: 39 (16th)
2016: 34 (16th)
2015: 19 (32nd)
2014: 22 (30th)
2013: 32 (29th)
2012: 29 (28th)
Two things are abundantly clear by looking at these numbers: The Falcons have gotten a little better at rushing the passer over the last three seasons, but not enough to make them more than league average at doing so.