### **Atlanta's defense has been elite at defending the run and pressuring the quarterback.**
The Falcons are allowing the fewest rushing yards per game. Part of the low rushing total is because they forced the Packers and Saints into a pass-heavy game script in the second half, but the Falcons are also strong on a carry-to-carry basis, as they're allowing the fewest rushing yards per attempt (2.7) as well.
Atlanta also has the second-highest pressure rate despite blitzing at the third-lowest rate in the league, per SumerSports. The Falcons are the only team that has five different players with at least 10 pressures, per Next Gen Stats – defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr., defensive lineman Cameron Thomas, defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith, and defensive lineman Samson Ebukam.
The unit has exceeded preseason expectations, at least according to how much Atlanta spent on players during the offseason. Thomas, Smith and Ebukam are all on one-year deals. Dorlus was a fourth-round pick two years ago. Defensive lineman Maason Smith, who was traded by Jacksonville after just two seasons with the team, is on pace for a career year, and sixth-round rookie Harold Perkins Jr. has been one of the best first-year linebackers in the NFL.