The Atlanta Falcons finished the preseason with a 2-1 record and are just a week away from their regular season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
After looking at the team’s projected starters on offense, here’s our defensive lineup projection for the Falcons’ Week 1 matchup against the Saints.
DL: Grady Jarrett
(AP Photo/Kevin Sabitus)
The Falcons didn’t make any major additions along the interior of their defensive line, but perhaps the team’s new batch of edge rushers can take some pressure off of Grady Jarrett. After inking a three-year extension, Jarrett is staying in Atlanta for the long haul.
DT: Anthony Rush
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Anthony Rush is slotted in as the team’s starting nose tackle, but don’t sleep on preseason standout Timmy Horne as the season goes on. Atlanta failed to land veteran DT Eddie Goldman over the offseason, so both Rush and Horne are in line for playing time. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy competition between two young players.
DL: Ta’Quon Graham
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Graham played well in the preseason and the former Texas Longhorns DL will likely start alongside Rush and Jarrett in Week 1. The Falcons selected Graham in the fifth round of the 2021 draft with a clear plan, and it appears to be paying off thus far.
OLB: Lorenzo Carter
(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
Carter signed a one-year deal over the offseason after the Giants let him walk in free agency. The former third-round pick out of Georgia had a career-high five sacks in 2021, with two forced fumbles, five passes defended and one interception. A big year in 2022 could earn Carter a long-term deal in his hometown.
OLB: Ade Ogundeji
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
This one is tough. Falcons fans are rightfully excited about second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie, but second-year LB Ade Ogundeji knows the system and started 11 games in 2021. I think Ebiketie will get plenty of rotational work, however, Ogundeji will likely get the start in Week 1.
ILB: Rashaan Evans
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Evans is essentially guaranteed a starting spot after the team placed Deion Jones on injured reserve last week. The former Titans linebacker is familiar with Dean Pees’ scheme and is a lock to start in Week…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Falcons Wire…