Tag: Grady Jarrett

Grady Jarrett thinks Falcons can be a ‘really strong defensive team’

Grady Jarrett believes the #Falcons can be a ‘really strong defensive team’ in 2023

For years, the Atlanta Falcons were a team known mostly for their offensive proficiency. Longtime staples such as quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones were once the faces of the team while the defense continuously ranked in the bottom half of the league.

After a busy offseason, Atlanta is hoping to finally change that narrative this season. The team invested considerable resources on defense, signing Calais Campbell, David Onyemata and Jessie Bates III to a unit that already featured two stars in Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell.

The Falcons’ aggressive approach has convinced Jarrett that the defense can become the strength of this team in 2023.

“I envision this team being a really strong defensive team,” Jarrett told Falcons reporters on Tuesday. “At the core, I think we’re going to be really strong up front on the offense and defensive line. So I think that’s really going to drive us forward.”

When asked about the free-agent additions, Jarrett sounded optimistic about what Onyemata and Campbell are going to bring, especially in terms of leadership ability.

“To have a guy like David Onyemata come in is going to be great,” Jarrett continued. “To have a leader like Calais Campbell come in is going to be crazy. It’s almost like reminiscing of when we had Dwight Freeney come in my second year. When you get a legend of the game to come in, because Calais is that, it just raises the bar for everybody.”

The Falcons have improved on defense, but they’ve also invested a lot of money into their offensive line. Right guard Chris Lindstrom signed a record extension and right tackle Kaleb McGary returned on a three-year deal.

Jarrett also stated how important it was to retain guys like Lindstrom and McGary, not just because of how talented both players are, but because it raises the intensity of practice each day.

“That’s important for me too because those are the guys we train against, so if you’re training against the best, you’re only going to get better,” said Jarrett.

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Falcons DC Ryan Nielsen has high praise for Grady Jarrett

#Falcons DC Ryan Nielsen on Grady Jarrett: “There’s definitely a place for a guy like that”

Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett is one of the NFL’s best interior linemen, but the team has been unable to surround him with enough talent to maximize his skill set.

This will be one of the tasks of new Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who was officially introduced on Monday. Nielsen’s background as a defensive line specialist could make him the perfect coach to get the most out of Jarrett.

When asked to describe Jarrett at his introductory press conference, Nielsen wasn’t short on adjectives.

“Explosive, tough, disruptive, penetrator, a pass rusher,” Nielsen said of the former Pro Bowl defensive lineman. “There’s definitely a place for a guy like that, definitely a place. So, I’m excited about working with him for sure.”

Nielsen certainly has his work cut out for him as Jarrett is one of the few established players on this Atlanta defense. Upon his hiring, many wondered if the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator was planning on changing schemes.

While Nielsen declined to completely define his scheme — aside from saying it would be a hybrid with multiple fronts — Jarrett will likely remain as a key player in whatever scheme the team runs this season.

Will Nielsen be able to transform Atlanta into that kind of unit he had for so long in New Orleans? That remains to be seen, but at least the Falcons will have the salary cap space to add talent this offseason.

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Were any Falcons snubbed from the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl?

Were any Falcons players snubbed from the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl roster?

After weeks of voting, the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl results are in and just one Atlanta Falcons player was named to the roster. Right guard Chris Lindstrom is the team’s lone representative on the NFC team.

Obviously, the Falcons aren’t having a great year at 5-9, but there is one player who at least had a case to make the roster. Defensive lineman Grady Jarrett is having a stellar season and you could argue it was worthy of another Pro Bowl selection.

Jarrett has accounted for seven sacks and 39 total quarterback pressures thus far in 2022. With three games remaining, the veteran lineman is on pace to top his previous career-high eight sacks which he recorded back in 2019. Additionally, Jarrett has amassed 30 tackles for loss.

So, how does he compare to others at the position like Aaron Donald, Dexter Lawrence and Johnathan Allen? Donald has accounted for five sacks and 40 total pressures. This is a lower sack total than Jarrett, but Donald has only played in 11 games due to injury.

Lawrence has undoubtedly been the best interior lineman in the NFC this year, racking up eight sacks and 53 total pressures. Johnathan Allen has also surpassed Jarrett with eight sacks and 47 total pressures. When looking at the numbers, it’s hard to argue Jarrett should replace Donald, Lawrence or Allen However, Donald has been shut down for the season, so there’s a chance Jarrett could be named as an alternate.

Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell and kicker Younghoe Koo didn’t have the kind of production to really merit an NFC roster spot. While both players are still arguably in the top five at their respective positions, each experienced a bit of a dropoff in 2022. Terrell has been fighting injuries all year, while Koo has suffered from the team’s lack of offensive production.

As for Cordarrelle Patterson, he may have had a case as a return specialist, but his numbers at the running back position were nowhere close to those who made the team. Patterson has 618 rushing yards and six touchdowns, but his receiving numbers — 12 catches for 65 yards – have gone way down from last season.

The Falcons don’t usually get much Pro Bowl representation, and this year is no exception.

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Grady Jarrett on Sunday’s loss: ‘We put ourselves in this position’

“We put ourselves in this position, it’s going to be up to us to get out of it,” Falcons DL Grady Jarrett said after Sunday’s loss

There’s plenty of finger-pointing going on after the Falcons’ 19-13 loss to the Commanders in Week 12.. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is taking his share of the blame for throwing a late interception, but there were several other factors that cost Atlanta on Sunday.

Arthur Smith’s decision to throw the ball near the goal line with three timeouts remaining has been questioned, while the defense couldn’t stop Washington’s ground attack. A late running-into-the-kicker penalty on Ade Ogundeji was the final straw as it took away the team’s last chance to get the ball back.

Following the game, defensive lineman Grady Jarrett talked about coming up short yet again.

“At the end of the day, it wasn’t enough, so we got to play better the whole game,” said Jarrett in the locker room after Sunday’s loss. “It’s definitely disappointing to come out with the [loss], especially how it went down. However, at the end of the day, we are going to continue to look forward and continue to play ball. We got five games left and have to put our best foot forward.”

Those five remaining games come against the Steelers, Saints, Ravens, Cardinals and Buccaneers. Three are home games Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Atlanta is 4-2 this season. Their only two home losses came against the Saints in Week 1 and the Chargers in Week 9.

“We put ourselves in this position, it’s going to be up to us to get out of it,” said Jarrett.

Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews echoed Jarrett’s comments and expressed confidence about the team’s mindset going forward.

“We expect to win,” said Matthews. “We have a lot of pros on this team, guys that care a lot and work hard. I speak for everyone when I say we are very frustrated about it. All we can do is bounce back and win next week.”

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5 Falcons to watch in Week 12 vs. Commanders

We’ve picked five Falcons to watch for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders [6-5] host the Atlanta Falcons [5-6] Sunday from FedEx Field in a battle with potential playoff implications.

Washington currently sits a half-game out of the final playoff spot, currently occupied by the Seattle Seahawks. The Falcons are a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South.

Atlanta enters Sunday’s game without one of its top offensive players. Second-year tight end Kyle Pitts was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury after last week’s win over the Chicago Bears.

With Pitts out, who are some of the other Falcons that Washington should be concerned with in Week 12?

We’ve named five Falcons to watch for Sunday’s game.

What They Are Saying: Tigers in the NFL, Week 11

As is the case on a weekly basis, there was plenty of buzz about former Clemson standouts in Week 11 of the NFL season. Check out what they’re saying about some former Tigers in the league: . @teehiggins5 is putting on a show tonight in Pittsburgh‼️ …

As is the case on a weekly basis, there was plenty of buzz about former Clemson standouts in Week 11 of the NFL season.

Check out what they’re saying about some former Tigers in the league:

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Grady Jarrett continues impressive season

Former Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett added another standout game Sunday, helping his Atlanta Falcons beat the Chicago Bears 27-24. Jarrett finished the game with two tackles, one sack, a tackle for loss and even had a pass deflection at the …

Former Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett added another standout game Sunday, helping his Atlanta Falcons beat the Chicago Bears 27-24.

Jarrett finished the game with two tackles, one sack, a tackle for loss and even had a pass deflection at the line. The sack brings his season total to 5.5, which leads the team.

After the game, Jarrett took to Twitter to poke fun at a group of Chicago fans who went viral for celebrating a bachelor party at the game.

AJ Terrell was also back in action for the Falcons after being out with an injury. The former Clemson cornerback finished with four tackles.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

5 Falcons players to watch vs. the Bears

Here are the Falcons players we’ll be watching for when they face the Bears this weekend.

The Chicago Bears travel south to take on the Atlanta Falcons for their Week 11 matchup. The Bears (3-7) are looking to snap a three-game losing streak despite scoring more than 29 points in each of their losses. The Falcons (4-6) are also riding a losing streak, but are still within striking distance of the division lead and look to get back on track.

It will be a reunion of sorts for these two teams. Many former Bears players, coaches, and even front office members are now with the Falcons, including a couple starters. See which former Bears are worth keeping an eye on this weekend as we pick out five Falcons players to watch when these teams meet up.

What They Are Saying: Tigers in the NFL, Week 8

As usual, there was no shortage of buzz about former Clemson standouts during Week 8 of the NFL season. Check out what they are saying on Twitter about some former Tigers in the league: Seems solid. @swaggy_t1 #DENvsJAX pic.twitter.com/h7VY153LU7 – …

As usual, there was no shortage of buzz about former Clemson standouts during Week 8 of the NFL season.

Check out what they are saying on Twitter about some former Tigers in the league:

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

What They Are Saying: Tigers in the NFL, Week 7

Per usual, there was plenty of buzz on Twitter about former Clemson standouts during Week 7 of the NFL season. Check out what they are saying about some former Tigers in the league: Let’s have a day, 16! #NYGvsJAX | #DUUUVAL …

Per usual, there was plenty of buzz on Twitter about former Clemson standouts during Week 7 of the NFL season.

Check out what they are saying about some former Tigers in the league:

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!