The Strong Point Of The Falcons Defense?

After a very below average performance last year, many may ask: What's Atlanta's strong point on defense?

If you think about it, it has to be the defensive line.

The Falcons have much more depth on the defensive line than they have at any other position.

Let's start with John Abraham, who, in my opinion, is the best pass-rushing defensive end in the league.

Abraham had a career high 16.5 sacks last season, but what's even more impressive are the offensive tackles he had to get past in order to achieve the milestone.

Abraham went up against Jordan Gross (Panthers), Jamal Brown (Saints), Jeremy Trueblood (Buccaneers), Marcus McNeil (Chargers), Chad Clifton (Packers), and Bryant McKinnie (Vikings).

For any defensive end or even 3-4 linebacker, that is extremely difficult.

But, Abraham did have a number of injuries during the season and sat out the team's mini-camp back in June.

With Abraham's history of injuries, the chance of him holding up long enough to achieve 16 sacks again next season may be pretty slim.

That's why Jamaal Anderson has to step up this season.

Many fans have already given up on Anderson because of his failure to produce.

But, if you look at the stats of some of the best defensive ends in the league, they didn't start out as dynamic pass rushers either.

Jared Allen only amassed two sacks his first year starting and Kyle Vanden Bosch only had one.

Heck, John Abraham only had 4.5 sacks his rookie season.

But one thing Anderson can do pretty well is play against the run.

He's the best run-stopping defensive end on the team.

ESPN NFC South Blogger Pat Yasinkas reported on one of his blogs that Jamaal Anderson has been in the weight room religiously.

Many current players for the Falcons have said that he's working much harder than the previous two offseasons, and Anderson also struggled this season because he had to learn a whole new defensive scheme.

So, brace yourself, Falcons' fans: I think this is the year Anderson breaks out.

Now on to Jonathon Babineaux.

Babineaux is probably the most underrated defensive tackle in the league.

Last season, he finished fourth in the league for tackles for a loss with 11, and added 3.5 sacks.

Jonathan Babineaux will have a much better season this year, because he has a better grasp of the playbook and because of the guy he'll be playing next to.

Now, we get to 1st round pick Peria Jerry.

When the Falcons first selected Jerry, a lot of fans, including myself, were surprised, especially with Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga still on the board.

Then, I went on YouTube, checked some highlights, and had some thoughts.

The way Jerry just ripped through offensive lineman, his lateral quickness, and his ability to get sideline to sideline were incredible.

Many compare him to Warren Sapp, which is great, but he reminds me more of Tommie Harris or Darnell Dockett.

Don't be surprised if Peria Jerry gets 6-8 sacks this season, because it is more than likely.

But, the starters aren't what makes the defensive line so special.  Our rotation is going to be nasty.

Chauncey Davis, Kroy Biermann, Trey Lewis, and Lawrence Sidbury are going to be key contributors.

Especially since Coach Mike Smith is going to add a couple of 3-4 plays into the scheme.

Imagine the Falcons coming on the field in a 4-3 set with Trey Lewis in as a sub package, but all of a sudden, John Abraham drops back into a linebacker position and Babineaux, Lewis, and Anderson just shift over.

The opposing offensive line and quarterback will be stunned, confused, and just completely frozen at the line of scrimmage.

Biermann, Sidbury, Spencer Adkins, and Stephen Nicolas can all play outside as well.

The possibilities are endless.

If John Abraham can stay healthy enough, the Atlanta Falcons defensive line will be a force in 2009.