Tag: no_mcc

The Atlanta Falcons can’t seem to figure out their pass-rush woes, but it’s tough to complain when they keep finding ways to win football games.

Not only is the team 5-3, Atlanta is 4-0 against the NFC South. In order to really become a contender, though, the team may need to make a move for another pass rusher.

Despite trading for former Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon, the Falcons remain dead last in sacks with six total after eight games.

This is why Yahoo NFL analyst Frank Schwab believes Atlanta should trade for Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith at the 2024 trade deadline on November 5:

The Falcons traded for Matthew Judon, and still rank near the bottom of the NFL with [six] sacks. Maybe another trade would do the trick. Smith has five sacks this season and the Browns, at 2-6, shouldn’t be talking themselves into being in the playoff race. Smith could help a Falcons team that seems well on its way to winning the NFC South after sweeping the Buccaneers. — Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports

Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, has as many sacks (6) as the Falcons’ entire defense entering Week 9. The former fourth-round pick has made steady progress throughout his career, developing into one of the NFL’s top pass rushers.

Since entering the league in 2015, Smith has recorded 65 sacks, 162 QB hits, 81 tackles for loss and 10 forced fumbles. The Browns upset the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, but that shouldn’t prevent them from being sellers at the trade deadline.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said the team is always looking to improve. While it’s entirely possible that the team will make a move, there’s no guarantee it will be for a difference-maker like Smith.

The 32-year-old would give Atlanta two quality pass rushers, increasing the team’s chances of making a deep playoff run.

With the 2024 NFL trade deadline looming, the Atlanta Falcons will have to make some tough decisions over the next week. Since the team is leading the NFC South and in a position to make the playoffs for the first time in six years, it would make sense for Atlanta to be a buyer at the deadline.

The obvious move would be to add a pass rusher, but that’s easier said than done with so many other teams looking to do the same.

The Falcons were able to snag Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon before the season began. Could the team pull off another trade before the deadline?

Head coach Raheem Morris was asked about this on Wednesday, saying he and general manager Terry Fontenot are always looking to add talent.

“Terry (Fontenot) is constantly looking and talking,” said Morris. “We’re always looking to add everywhere. There’s a lot more sellers than there used to be. Then you have to do all the value things. You have to make those decisions. It’s tough.”

As we looked at on Sunday, there are some interesting names that could be available on the trade market, including Packers defensive end Preston Smith, Dolphins EDGE Emmanual Ogbah and Browns defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith.

All 32 NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET on November 5 to complete any trade for the 2024 season. Check out our NFL Wire Network feature examining one player each team could trade at the deadline.

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