Falcons Shake Up Defense: Bench Two Former 2nd-Round Picks for Week 1

Falcons Shake Up Defense: Bench Two Former 2nd-Round Picks for Week 1

In a notable move that underscores their commitment to improving the defense, the Atlanta Falcons have made significant adjustments to their Week 1 depth chart. These changes include benching two former second-round picks, signaling a shift in the team’s defensive strategy as they prepare for the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Falcons recently bolstered their defensive lineup by acquiring two Pro Bowl-caliber players: outside linebacker Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots and free-agent safety Justin Simmons. This infusion of talent has led to some consequential decisions regarding the team’s existing roster. As a result, Judon and Simmons are listed as starters for the upcoming game, filling prominent roles within the defense.

Simmons’ arrival has prompted a change in the secondary. He is set to replace Richie Grant, a former second-round draft pick from the 2021 NFL Draft. Grant, who has started 32 games over the past two seasons, will now have to take on a less prominent role, although he is expected to remain an integral part of the defense. The decision to start Simmons alongside Jessie Bates III reflects a strategic move to enhance the team’s pass coverage and overall defensive prowess.

Perhaps the more surprising adjustment involves Arnold Ebiketie, another former second-round pick. Ebiketie, who was anticipated to be a key component of the defense, has been relegated to a backup role behind Judon. Despite his promising performance last season—where he accumulated six sacks and finished third on the team in that category—Ebiketie’s usage was somewhat limited. He played only 34 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, a decrease from the 49 percent he saw during his rookie year.

The decision to start Judon over Ebiketie could be attributed to the differing skill sets and roles of the two players. Judon, known for his robust pass-rushing ability, might be seen as a better fit for the team’s defensive scheme, particularly in the base defense orchestrated by defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. On the other hand, Ebiketie’s role as a pure pass-rusher might align more closely with situational pass-rushing duties rather than a consistent starter role.

Additionally, Lorenzo Carter’s presence in the lineup suggests that the Falcons value his versatility. Carter’s ability to perform various tasks in the linebacker position might make him a more suitable fit for certain defensive alignments compared to Ebiketie, who is more specialized in rushing the passer.

While these depth chart changes might initially appear as a demotion for Ebiketie and Grant, they reflect a broader strategic realignment by the Falcons. Both players are expected to have significant roles throughout the season, even if they do not start in Week 1. The decisions highlight the team’s efforts to optimize their defensive lineup and address specific needs as they embark on the new NFL season.

JMG