The Atlanta Falcons are 3-3 heading into Week 7, but they have a few glaring needs on the roster. Chiefs among them is the quarterback position, where Desmond Ridder has left a lot to be desired. He is completing 64 percent of his passes with 1,380 yards but has thrown six touchdowns compared to six interceptions.
It would certainly be interesting to see what this offense could do with an upgrade under center. They are 3-3 despite teams not worrying about Ridder beating them, which speaks volumes about how well the rest of the roster is playing.
While Ridder is the main focus of a lot of people, it is the team’s defense that has arguably the biggest need. The Falcons’ pass rush has been anemic thus far this season, picking up only 10 in six games. Half of them came against the Washington Commanders in Week 6, who have arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL.
Atlanta isn’t getting any production from their edge rushers, as Bud Dupress leads the team with only 2.0 sacks and Lorenzo Carter has 1.0. Addressing that in the offseason would help take what is an improved defensive unit to the next level.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the perfect addition to the team would be Rashan Gary of the Green Bay Packers. The star pass rusher is heading toward free agency in 2024 and believes the Falcons should pursue him.
“Gary would be a great fit in Atlanta’s scheme, as he’s best out of a two-point stance or as a standup outside linebacker. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the 2019 first-round pick had 4.5 sacks through Green Bay’s first five contests while playing on a pitch count as he recovers from last season’s torn ACL.”
Gary has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL during the 2023 season despite the team limiting his snaps as he continues working his way back from a torn ACL suffered last season.
His overall grade of 84.4 is 14th among edge rushers, per PFF. The pass-rushing grade he has earned is even better at 85.0, which puts him 10th at the position.
Gary has been on the field for only 78 pass-rushing snaps but has been dominant. Along with the 4.5 sacks, he has 20 total pressures, meaning he is creating havoc in the backfield on more than 25 percent of his pass-rushing snaps.
That is an elite number, as Gary is setting himself up for quite a pay day this offseason. The Falcons will have the cap space to make a splash, as he will be one of the more sought after free agents in 2024.
