The Atlanta Falcons are 1-2 but the fan base hasn’t completely given up on them yet. Since the Falcons lost to two undefeated teams and upset the 2-1 Eagles on the road, things may not be as bad as they appear. With that said, there are still some problematic areas that the team needs to clean up.
The pass rush has been among the least effective in the NFL this season. While you never want to put too much stock into sack numbers, Atlanta’s three sacks rank 31st in the entire league. For context, there are currently 10 teams with at least 10 sacks this season.
The Falcons are still tinkering with things along their front seven under defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. On Tuesday, the team released a new depth chart with a few changes up front. Defensive lineman Zach Harrison is no longer listed as a starter.
The Falcons moved defensive tackle Eddie Goldman into the starting lineup, listing Harrison as a backup to Grady Jarrett. Goldman is one of the few defensive linemen on the roster who can play that nose tackle spot, so it’s not a shock to see this reflected on the depth chart.
Harrison, a former third-round pick out of Ohio State, racked up 33 tackles (18 solo), five QB hits and three sacks in 16 games last season. He was listed as a starting defensive end for the first three weeks. However, Harrison’s playing time hasn’t reflected that of a starter this season.
In three games, the former Buckeye has played just 18 percent percent of the team’s defensive snaps (39 total) and has two total tackles. Goldman has played close to 40 percent of the defensive snaps this season, which is close to his career average.
Regardless of what the depth chart says, the team has a deep group of defensive linemen and will continue to rotate them. The Falcons haven’t played second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro or fourth-rounder Brandon Dorlous.
Both rookie defensive linemen have been healthy scratches through the first three weeks of the season. Perhaps that will change in Week 4.
