The Falcons did not do well defensively last year. The passing sprint surrounds the quarterback, but it doesn't get him enough. That, and a lackluster secondary, formed the worst pass defense in the league.

The linebacker is solid, but that hasn't changed the need to overhaul the team while building around some solid personal talent.

The Falcons have a new coordinator in Dean Pees, with veteran talents playing key roles in the frontcourt and midfield.

The unit is led by elite defensive tackle and foolproof captain Grady Jarrett, cornerback AJ Terrell and linebacker Deion Jones. And, while the unit looks better than the 2020 version, it's time to prove it against the Philadelphia Eagles starting on Sunday.

There are many issues surrounding the Falcons' defense, which is why we focused on the unit in Bair Mail on Wednesday.

Brodie France from Castleton-upon-Hudson, New York

You want defensive problems, I have two for you! First of all, Grady Jarrett has been a beast for several years. With the addition of Pees, I hope to allocate more pressure from our DE and maximize Grady's potential. Do you think he has a chance to get the first team All Pro how? Personally, I think he will eat well this year!

Secondly, who is your favorite Falcons guard? Apart from the obvious choice of prime time, some of my favorites are John Abraham, Keith Brooking, Dion Jones, D'Angelo Hall and the aforementioned Grady Jarrett!

Keep working hard, I hope you and your people are happy and healthy!

Bayer: Brody France. Great name. Like it, the action star is good. And thanks for these questions. I like them so much, I want both.

Assembling the All-Pro team is a daunting task. In terms of prestige, it is several light years higher than the Pro Bowl, with only two units each in the first and second units. We already know that one position is basically assigned to Aaron Donald, but Jarrett certainly has the ability to replace the other. The sacks are the key to getting votes, although the position of the defensive tackle is more about great movies than a lot of numbers.

However, he could have spent an important year and had the talent and motivation to reach such a high level. I'm not making bold predictions, but he has the ability or touches that vaulted ceiling.

Regarding your second question. I am here to say that I am Claude Humphrey, which is old school. One of his paintings is hanging in my office. This man is a monster, a giant of his time. Prior to 1982, the excellent staff of professional football reference looked back and counted sacks for pass rushers, when it became a statistic to resolve quarterback losses.

Humphrey originally had 130. That's too much. I hope more people will remember his achievements. He was unstoppable at his peak.

Nathan Pruitt from Gainesville, Florida.

Hey Scott, since Vick Beasley was in the Super Bowl season, our Falcons have not been fired. Who do you think can be the Falcons this year? Side note-If you haven't participated in "The Varsity", please make sure you do so so that you can laugh at your friends and their love of In-N-Out Burgers at home!

Bair: This is a bold prediction time: I think Dante Fowler has scored 10 points this season. He has good physical fitness, can sometimes work with Jarrett, and will be driven into production after a significant pay cut this offseason. With a stable season and threats around him, he can reach double digits. I know I am more optimistic about those who sit in his bland 2020 snapshot, but I have seen him at his best with the Rams. There is no reason why he cannot go back there again.

And, In-N-Out? Um. But I heard that The Varsity is legal. Haven't been there and will definitely stop next time I am in the area.

Joe Faulkner from Salem, Virginia

Isiah Oliver has always been a burden in the database field. How will this change? In addition, can anyone really make a fire under the leadership of Marlon Davidson?

Bair: I know you don't like Isaiah Oliver. I have seen last year's figures, especially when he was working outside. They are, um, not good. I agree that he needs to perform well in the slot. The Falcons don't have much established depth there. I think he did well in training camp. He needs to be useful in the paint or be used by the top quarterbacks in the NFL.

Regarding Marlon Davidson, he doesn't need anyone to motivate him. That's from the inside. You can (and should) read about it here.

Aarya Avant from Duncan, Arizona.

Should we expect to see players like Foye Oluokun and Mykal Walker shine this season and become famous in higher levels of LB? Also, how many Rich Grant do you think we will see?

Bair: Let's talk about the linebacker first. Foye Ao Nakhon is already highly regarded. This will be expanded under the leadership of Pees, as a true coverage linebacker, he can cover from other people in the second level blitz. And, if there is a year to explode, that's it. He will be a free agent in the next offseason, so now is the time to shine after these days with modern, fast linebackers seeking.

Mykal Walker is still a substitute role, but he will play a good role and gain a lot when he is on the court.

This Bair Mail is about defense. Friday's part will focus on offense. Submit your offensive question to the pouch here.

The Falcons will use the free weekend to develop a route to solve the problem and end the slip

The Falcons made 3 of 22 shots in two losses. Arthur Smith said this is an unmanageable statistic.

Your question will be answered in the mail bag this Friday

Losing Cordarrelle Patterson, who was magnified by Calvin Ridley, Hayden Hurst was also out

In the loss to the New England team, Olsen was the team's leading charge.

Torrey's takeaway: this loss is not defensive

Three notable defensive forwards are listed as part of the Falcons

Daren Bates also joined Hayden Hurst’s injury reserve team 

Arthur Smith says Cordarel Patterson will be a game time decision

Jerryn Hawkins, Darren Bates, Hayden Hirst on the Atlanta Falcons injury report

Arthur Smith said that the players who came up with reports on how to beat people quickly "are the last ones." 

Your question will be answered in the mail bag on Wednesday

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