The Atlanta Falcons are taking a collaborative approach to improve their pass rush for the 2025 season. Defensive line coach Nate Ollie, outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith, and defensive assistant coach John Timu are working together to train players focused on pressuring the quarterback.
The team is implementing an “attack-style front,” as described by Ollie. “It’s like we’re trying to be like Mike Tyson and throw haymakers,” he said. This strategy involves rushing the passer immediately after the ball is snapped without hesitation.
Last season, Atlanta ranked 31st in sacks with a total of 31, marking a continued struggle since 2019. In response, the Falcons hired Ollie and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Both have experience with teams that consistently ranked high in sacks over recent years.
“You can’t thrive in this league from a defensive perspective without a good pass rush,” Ulbrich stated. “Affecting the quarterback is my top priority.”
This offseason, the Falcons made several additions to bolster their defense. They drafted Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., and signed veterans Leonard Floyd and Morgan Fox through free agency. The team also retained promising players Arnold Ebiketie, Zach Harrison, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Brandon Dorlus.
Ollie emphasized the importance of having multiple capable pass rushers: “You can never have enough rushers,” he said. The attack-style front requires players to focus solely on reaching the quarterback quickly and aggressively once the play begins.
Smith highlighted the strategy of rotating players to maintain energy levels: “Obviously, you want to have that rotation to where there’s no drop off from your group.”
Ulbrich identified two key traits for successful pass rushers: speed, length, explosion or bend, balance, reduce surface. These attributes are crucial for success in Atlanta’s new defensive scheme.
“Since I’ve been in the league, I have not had to fabricate rushes,” Ollie noted about his approach with four-man fronts. He expressed confidence in his current roster’s ability to execute this strategy effectively.
