### Imre B. from Budapest
**_Hey Tori, I have so many burning questions defensively. This time I picked specifically the run defense, as I'm worried about that._**
**_Last year, we couldn't really stop the rushing attack, and this offseason, we didn't do much to strengthen it. Ruke Orhorhoro must step up next to David Onyemata, but I feel we don't really have a "Plan B," and we didn't really see much last year from Ruke. No one talks a lot about run defense, but it doesn't matter how much we can improve in pass rush, if the opponent will face third and 2 constantly. Your thoughts?_**
You're right that the Falcons' run defense left something to be desired in 2024, though it wasn't as poor a performance when compared to the rest of the league. The Falcons ranked 15th in the league in rushing yards allowed, conceding 2,051 total rushing yards while averaging 120.6 rushing yards allowed per game. So, around the middle of the pack.
However, where the run defense struggled was indeed on third downs, particularly those short yardage situations. Opponents converted third downs 45.3% of the time, which ranked the Falcons defense 31st in the league, [according to Pro Football Reference](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2024.htm). The Falcons — to your point — found themselves in too many short yardage third down situations in 2024. This hurt pass rush opportunities as well as made it statistically easier for opponents to stay on the field longer and keep drives going. So, even though the shortcomings show up on third down, it's actually bigger chunk plays on first and second down that bring you to third-and-short.
But to your question, did the Falcons do enough in the interior to bolster better third down numbers? Truth be told, it is a question I have myself. Because you're right that they are sticking with their own. And their own are in a little bit of uncharted waters at the moment. In fact, there are still a number of questions I have about Orhorhoro and the mantel he will take on in 2025, as well as the defensive front as a whole. Is Orhorhoro ready for the challenge presented? Can Zach Harrison emerge as a trusted playmaker (more on this in the next section)? How do new presences off the edge affect run defense numbers (i.e. how quickly can Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. make their presence known)? If better on first and second down, how does this improve pass rush stats?
I hate answering your question with even more questions, but that's where I find myself at the moment, too.