The Atlanta Falcons had their share of issues last season, but the secondary was one area where they showed some growth. The addition of play-making safety Jessie Bates III helped the defense improve from 25th in passing yards allowed per game in 2022 to No. 9 in 2023.
Even with A.J. Terrell returning at cornerback, this Falcons secondary still has a few question marks as we inch closer to the 2024 season. Since CB Jeff Okudah signed with the Houston Texans in free agency, there’s a starting job available opposite Terrell.
Atlanta signed a few veteran defensive backs, including Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton, but don’t rule out second-year CB Clark Phillips III. At strong safety, it will be either Richie Grant or DeMarcco Hellams starting next to Bates this season.
Despite the team’s impressive one-two punch of Bates and Terrell, the writers over at Pro Football Focus placed the Falcons way down at No. 22 in their new secondary rankings:
While Atlanta’s secondary certainly has top-10 potential, as Kosko pointed out, there are some undeniable concerns outside of Terrell and Bates.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is a great defensive mind with a ton of experience coaching the secondary. Will that experience be enough to guide these young players as they adapt to defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake’s system?
We’ll have to wait a few more weeks to find out. Rookies and veterans officially report to training camp on July 24.
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