Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Atlanta Falcons defense utilizes a 4-3 Quarters base scheme under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Atlanta Falcons Defense?

It's been a mixed bag for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, playing average football to land at the #19 spot in points allowed. For context, they are giving up 0.6 more points per game than the typical team.

In the NFC South, they trail the Carolina Panthers (#15) and New Orleans Saints (#16) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#20) to round out the division.

This is an active front that does a solid job of generating pressure and tackles for loss. They also have a knack for finding the football, generating turnovers at a solid rate.

57
Total Sacks
16
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is above average compared to the league median, while their secondary is capable (16 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Leading the charge in 2025 is Kaden Elliss, tallying 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 interception on the season. Another bright spot in 2025 has been Dee Alford, who has chipped in with 67 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions.

What is the Atlanta Falcons defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Jeff Ulbrich

The Atlanta Falcons defense runs a 4-3 Quarters under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Quarters
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Jeff Ulbrich arrives with a 4-3 scheme that emphasizes disciplined quarters coverage and a robust four-man rush, shifting away from the previous 3-4.

Key Principles

Quarters Coverage4-Man RushGap Discipline

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Atlanta Falcons Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

🔥 This unit excels at creating negative plays. Expect a high weekly floor due to their sack and turnover potential.
Havoc Rate
GOOD
11.4/g
Turnovers
ELITE
1.6/g
Aggression
GOOD
5.6/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
11.4
GOOD
They disrupt the offense 11.4 times per game. This constant pressure forces bad throws and negative plays.
Ball Production
1.6
ELITE
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.6 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
5.6
GOOD
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 5.6 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Atlanta Falcons defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
23.6 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Atlanta Falcons defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
CB
Cobee Bryant
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Brandon Dorlus
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableJan 5
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Ronnie Harrison Jr.
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 5
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Troy Andersen
Linebacker
OutDec 17
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Billy Bowman Jr.
Safety
Injured ReserveNov 24
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Zach Harrison
Defensive End
Injured ReserveDec 17
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
S
DeMarcco Hellams
Safety
Injured ReserveJan 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Mike Hughes
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJan 1
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
DeAngelo Malone
Linebacker
Injured ReserveNov 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Clark Phillips III
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJan 3
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Sam Roberts
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveJan 4
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Bralen Trice
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 17
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Malik Verdon
Safety
OutNov 28
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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