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The evolution of the Falcons DE position, 2008-2018

The Falcons’ pass rush is an ongoing punchline for a reason. Whether it’s been due to unimaginative scheming, prioritizing run defense over pass rushing acumen, or just failures in drafting and player development, the Falcons have pretty consistently failed to get a great front seven going over the last decade-plus. Defensive end has been at the forefront of that problem.

It should be noted that in that span, the Falcons have invested two first round picks and tens of millions of dollars in free agent contracts to try to find their next John Abraham and effective complements to him, and they’ve pretty consistently struck out.