10
Loading video...
By Anne Erickson
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Atlanta Falcons have a defense that's starting to look like a serious unit, but there's one spot that could keep it from reaching its full potential: the interior defensive line.
Atlanta lost a significant chunk of its defensive tackle production this offseason. David Onyemata and Ruke Orhorhoro led the team in snaps at the position in 2025, and both are now gone. That's a lot of playing time to replace, especially for a defense that's counting on taking another step forward.
Brandon Dorlus is one of the more encouraging pieces available. He was solid last season recording 8.5 sacks, 27 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, and he should have a chance to take on a larger role, but the Falcons need more than simply solid play if they want their defensive front to become a real problem for opposing offenses.
Read More on NFL
More sports: Early Chiefs Training Camp Takeaways
...
Maason Smith is also in the mix after arriving from Jacksonville in the trade that sent Orhorhoro the other way. Zach Harrison, who tallied 4.5 sacks despite being limited to just 7 games after suffering a season-ending injury last year, remains another option. Atlanta also added several veterans in free agency, including ninth-year defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand.
The problem is that none of those names immediately jumps out and looks like a game-wrecker. That's the concern. A defense can survive without having a superstar at every position, but somebody on the interior needs to consistently collapse the pocket, disrupt the run and go after opposing quarterbacks.
Atlanta has real reasons to be optimistic about its defense, and this doesn't suddenly make the unit a liability. But losing Onyemata and Orhorhoro leaves a pretty noticeable hole in the middle. If Dorlus takes a leap, Smith finally puts his talent together or one of the veterans turns out to have more left in the tank than expected, the Falcons could be fine.
More news: Chargers Players to Watch in Training Camp
If not, this could become the weak spot offenses target.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines