Falcons have major problems on run defense
The Falcons have major problems with their leaky run defense.
The Patriots, using a committee approach, the ran the ball at will against the Falcons. The Patriots had 36 carries for 162 yards.
The total was the highest that the Falcons have given up this season. The previous high of 138 yards was given up to Miami last week. The Falcons have given up more than 100 yards rushing in the each of the past three games.
The Falcons rebuilt the interior of their defense when they elected not to re-sign veterans Tyson Jackson and Jonathan Babineaux. They signed Jack Crawford and Dontari Poe in free agency to essentially replace Jackson and Babineaux.
Crawford suffered a torn bicep and is out of the season. The Falcons also parted ways with defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman, once his domestic violence case was settles.
Poe was signed to a one-year $8 million deal. The former Pro Bowler was expected to help improve the run defense.
“We have a lot to improve on since we didn’t win the game,” Poe said on Sunday night. “We have a lot to improve on. That’s part of it.”
The Patriots had mostly relied on the pass of Tom Brady this season.
Dion Lewis rushed 13 times for 76 yards, Rex Burkhead rushed six times for 31 yards, Mike Gillislee rushed eight times for 31 yards, James White rushed four times for 19 yards and Brady had five rushes for five yards.
“They can run and pass and that just so happens to be what they did,” Poe said.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn is not happy with the run defense.
“I thought early on, I felt particular good we were tackling right,” Quinn said. “That part of our game was on point….The numbers are high for us and that extended the time of possession.”
