Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta Braves
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta Braves
As anticipated, Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata were the mainstays of the Atlanta Falcons' defensive line in 2024. Despite high expectations, their performance did not entirely meet their career standards.
Jarrett, returning from an ACL injury for his tenth season with Atlanta, became the franchise leader in quarterback hits, totaling 126 in his career. However, he recorded only 2.5 sacks, marking his second-lowest total in a full starting season compared to his personal best of 7.5 sacks in 2019. He also made 53 tackles with nine stops for a loss and hit the quarterback 12 times.
Onyemata entered his second year with Atlanta last season and had three sacks, tying for his second-lowest total in a full starting season. His personal best remains at 6.5 sacks achieved in 2020 while playing for the New Orleans Saints. He recorded a total of 45 tackles, eight for a loss, and hit the quarterback five times.
The Falcons' defense as a whole showed room for improvement throughout the season. In their first eleven games, they managed ten sacks but improved significantly with twenty-one sacks over the final six games. The team ended as the league's twenty-third-ranked defense both in points (423) and yards (5,868) allowed.
Grady Jarrett reflected on the season saying: "There's a lot to work on... I'm excited for what the future holds."
Looking ahead to next season, questions remain about whether rookies Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus will secure starting positions after limited appearances this past year.
Head coach Raheem Morris expressed optimism about Orhorhoro's progress: "He got a little bit more comfortable... doing some really good things."
Morris also commented on Dorlus's development: "We got a chance to see all these (drafted) guys... it's really nice when you see guys develop."
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