The Atlanta Falcons have gone quiet some time without a consistent edge rusher. Recently, a former great at the position for Atlanta weighed in on Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
Former NFL great John Abraham played for 15 seasons with various teams. During his time in Atlanta, no one thought he would be the last great, consistent edge rusher the Falcons would have who could consistently get to the opposing quarterback.
Falcons defensive end John Abraham during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Falcons defensive end John Abraham during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Abraham totaled 133.5 sacks and 47 forced fumbles during his career. Recently, he would speak to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, saying, “If both of them work out, the Falcons are geniuses, “But some people said it was terrible going back in the first round and getting that pick."
"I’m like, I don’t see the problem with doing that. I think that helps. That shows the fan base, especially the guys who have been here for a long time, that the Falcons know what they need."
"If they can stay creative on defense, if they can keep these guys on the field at the same time and actually use the older guys to help them, it’s strictly going to have to be a mindset.”
Abraham would also speak about his battles off the field, especially regarding his mental health during retirement. Abraham suffers from depression and social anxiety disorder. As many do after football, Abraham wants to be an advocate for others battling the same thing.
"I understand my worth now and look forward to people understanding it. At the time, it was just, I had to literally tell myself how hard you worked in football to be good. You had to do the same thing with your mental health. You’ve got to do the same thing with trying to feel better about yourself personally."
Abraham hopes that Atlanta can get back to consistent pressure on the QB, and has all the faith in Walker and Pearce Jr. to be used as tools to do so.