Editor's Note: The 'Falcons Breakdown' series analyzes the state of every position group in Atlanta. We'll take a look back at the group's overall production in 2022, who we think will stay in 2023 and who could be on the chopping block. We'll also pinpoint the position's biggest question of the offseason.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- There is no position in Atlanta that went through as significant turnover in 2022 as that of the Falcons defensive line. It's turnover that will follow Atlanta into 2023, too.
The Falcons have a pass rush problem. The problem being that they have not been able to generate a pass rush that is consistently moving the needle towards production that realistically shows up on a stat sheet. Let's get one thing straight, though: A stat sheet can't and won't tell the entire story, but it does show a piece of it, and it's a pretty big piece that is cracked right now.
For the Falcons defense to take a step in the right direction this offseason, one thing is clear: Atlanta needs more players along the defensive interior who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
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Way back in August of last year, the Falcons defensive interior looked very different - astronomically different - from what it ended up looking like by the season's end. The Falcons came into training camp with Grady Jarrett (of course), Vincent Taylor (who the organization picked up in free agency), Anthony Rush (who the Falcons brought back on a one-year deal after he helped out in 2021), Marlon Davidson (who was still trying to prove his worth as a former second-round pick) and Ta'Quon Graham (who was entering into his second year in the league).
As training camp began, though, this lineup dwindled. Taylor ruptured his Achilles in one of the Falcons first training camp practices. He was placed on injured reserve and never returned. Davidson injured his knee and did not participate in the final two preseason games. He was placed on injured reserve and was later released at the end of October. By that time, the Falcons had already parted ways with Rush, too, who started the first four games alongside Jarrett but was ultimately released at the beginning of October.
Graham did well for himself in his first real taste as a starter in the league, but the 2021 fifth-round pick was sidelined in November with a season-ending knee injury.
By Week 11, all that remained of that initial training camp group was Jarrett. So, for much of the season, the Falcons had to heavily rely upon its practice squad depth to support its interior push. That depth included Abdullah Anderson, Jalen Dalton, Jaleel Johnson and first-year player Timmy Horne.
All of these tweaks and changes have gotten the Falcons to where they are now in 2023, which is to a place where interior pass rush has to be a priority this offseason. With all of this in mind, let's take a more extensive look at this position's trajectory.
2022 production
Grady Jarrett: 17 games | Six sacks | 61 combined tackles (12 for a loss) | 17 quarterback hits
Ta'Quon Graham: 11 games | No sacks | 34 combined tackles (one for a loss) | Eight quarterback hits
Abdullah Anderson: 16 games | One sack | 40 combined tackles (two for a loss) | One quarterback hit
Timmy Horne: 17 games | No sacks | 27 combined tackles (none for a loss) | One quarterback hit
Jaleel Johnson: Six games | No sacks | 10 combined tackles (none for a loss) | One quarterback hit
Jalen Dalton: Seven games | No sacks | 13 combined tackles (one for a loss) | No quarterback hits
Who stays: Jarrett, Graham
It's unfortunate that the Falcons didn't get a full year's worth of play from Graham, who was placed on injured reserve when Kyle Pitts was. Both suffered season ending knee injuries that required procedures.
Though his stat line may not look like much, turn on the film of Graham's 11 games and it tells a different story. Graham was consistently affecting the quarterback when he was on the field, even freeing up Jarrett a bit more, too.
Don't believe it? Look no further than Jarrett's stat line. From Week 1 to when Graham was hurt in Week 11, Jarrett accounted for 5.5 of his six total sacks on the year, 10 of his 12 tackles for a loss came during that period, too, as did 10 of his 17 quarterback hits of 2022. Jarrett was more productive when Graham was playing beside him because Graham was able to take some of the pressure off someone who consistently gets double - even triple - teamed.
Jarrett signed an extension last year. Graham is still on his rookie deal and was trending in the right direction in his first couple months as a starter before the injury occurred. Neither are going anywhere, but they need some help around them.
On the chopping block: Anderson, Horne, Johnson, Dalton
These four did well for what they were asked to do in 2022, but the Falcons usages of them should not be the same in 2023. They are reliable figures on the practice squad and as depth pieces. So, it wouldn't be shocking if the Falcons keep them around in that capacity. However, that should be it because the Falcons have to go out and get players who (realistically) surpass these four in production.
Chances are the Falcons will pump some serious cash/resources into continuing to revamp the defensive line. It's not likely that said cash and resources will be directed to keeping these four players.
What the Falcons need, these four players may not have the capacity to provide, which brings us to the biggest question this position faces this offseason.
Biggest offseason question: Who will the Falcons bring in to rejuvenate the position?
The Falcons will have the option to combat the interior pass rush problem in whatever way they choose. If they want to sign a big-time free agent? Great. If they want to spend a top draft pick on a defensive tackle? Sure. If they want to trade for an established and trusted veteran? Cool. If they want to do any combination of the three or all of the three? Do it.
At this point, the Falcons should do whatever it takes to get Jarrett the help he deserves. For too long, opposing offenses have been able to key on Jarrett without fear of relinquishing a one-on-one matchup elsewhere. Whoever the Falcons bring in has to make that impossible. Whoever the Falcons decide to put beside Jarrett (and Graham, too) has to be someone who strikes fear into opposing coordinators. They have to be a player that offensive linemen have to consistently account for. Truth be told, the Falcons could use a couple of those guys along the defensive interior if they find they have the means to do so.
Regardless, though, the question remains about just who the Falcons will go after. Who fits these requirements? And can the Falcons get them to Atlanta?
Join us as we take a look back at our favorite photos on defense from the 2022 Atlanta Falcons season.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Nick Thurman #91 walks through the tunnel before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Friday, August 12, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Mike Ford #28 makes a tackle during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Friday, August 12, 2022. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Derrick Tangelo #99 in the visitors' tunnel after halftime during the game against the Detroit Lions on Friday, August 12, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Corey Ballentine #39 makes a tackle during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, August 27, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Timothy Horne #93 makes a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, August 27, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Timothy Horne #93 celebrates after a big play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, August 27, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Corey Ballentine #39 celebrates with teammates after an interception during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, August 27, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Anthony Rush #94 reacts after a tackle during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 runs to make a tackle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Arnold Ebiketie #47 celebrates after a sack during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson #98 during practice for the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle, WA, on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Rashaan Evans #54 anf defensive lineman Anthony Rush #94 line up during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday, September 25, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and inside linebacker Nathan Landman #55 make a tackle during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday, September 25, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 sacks the quarterback during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday, September 25, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Mike Ford #28 makes a tackle during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 2, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after a stop during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 2, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on October 2, 2022. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 sacks the quarterback during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 9, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Mike Ford #28 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 rushes the quarterback during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense lines up against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 sacks the quarterback during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sunday, October 23, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson #98 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cornell Armstrong #22 breaks up a pass during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cornell Armstrong #22 reacts after a play during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Timmy Horne #93 celebrates after making a tackle during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 drives during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 and inside linebacker Rashaan Evans #54 make a tackle during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 6, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 sacks the quarterback during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 6, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham #95 and linebacker Mykal Walker #3 defend against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday, November 10, 2022. (Photo by Doug DeFelice/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 react after a play during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after a sack during the game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 20, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson #98 lines up during the first half against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in North Englewood, Maryland on Sunday, November 27, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a tackle during the first half against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in North Englewood, Maryland on Sunday, November 27, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 prepares to take the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 4, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Timmy Horne #93 prepares to make a tackle during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 4, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Rashaan Evans #54, Atlanta Falcons defensive end Matt Dickerson #91, Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44, and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 pose for a photo after an interception during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 4, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, December 18, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after making a tackle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, December 18, 2022. (Photo by Brandon /Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson #98 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 make a tackle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, December 18, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson #98 against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA on Sunday, December 18, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Timmy Horne #93 is seen during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cornell Armstrong #22 lines up during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 is seen prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 1, 2023. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson #98 makes a block during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 1, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Amani Bledsoe #94 rushes the Cardinals offense during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, January 1, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes a block during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 1, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson #90 lines up for a play during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34, and Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cornell Armstrong #22 react after turnover during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27, Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24, Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford #28 Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrate after a turnover during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24, Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Mykal Walker #3, and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 react after a tackle during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24, inside linebacker Mykal Walker #3, and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 react after a play during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 react after a stop during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 reacts after a play during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 defends a pass during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Matt Dickerson #91 in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cornell Armstrong #22 breaks up a pass during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 lines up during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cornell Armstrong #22 breaks up a Buccaneers pass during the second half of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, January 8, 2023. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)
