Key Stat Proves Falcons Defense Could Be Much Improved in 2020

The Atlanta Falcons' defense was quietly really solid down the stretch of the season, but casual fans may not have noticed. And it's hard to blame them. Over the first eight games of the season, Atlanta surrendered a staggering 31.3 points per game (PPG). For reference, that would've been the worst mark in the NFL if projected out over a full season.

But after a Week 9 bye, the team made a significant switch, as Dan Quinn gave up play calling duties and Raheem Morris began calling the shots. Things quickly turned around.

Over the final eight games of the year, the team surrendered 18.6 PPG – which would've been tied for the fourth-best total in the NFL.

Though the Falcons didn't make too many big-ticket additions this offseason, that performance suggests this defense could be much better in 2020. Still, they did manage to add Dante Fowler to bolster the pass-rush, and should be getting a healthy season from the oft-injured Keanu Neal.

If Morris can build on what he did down the stretch, the Falcons could be a real force in the NFC South. Even in a tough division, the Falcons will once again be an intriguing team in 2020.

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Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.