Despite Atlanta Falcons Loss, 'Pretty Damn Good' Defensive Front Shines

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a difficult loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, but they applied plenty of pressure on the quarterback in the process.

Sunday will go down as a loss on the record books for the Atlanta Falcons, and while there is much chagrin about the offense's performance against the Washington Commanders, the front seven seemed to stand tall throughout the game.

The Falcons registered five sacks of second-year quarterback Sam Howell, seeing four different players get in on the party in the backfield. While the offense remains a concern in Atlanta, head coach Arthur Smith is pleased with how his team is making things difficult for opposing signal callers.

“We've been getting a lot of pressure," Smith said. "We've found ways to affect the quarterback. Today it happened. Turned it into sacks. 

"They've been pretty damn good all year. That's the first thing people look at, sacks. It necessarily doesn't tell the story. It was good to get them, and we got them at big times today. But we're just trying to find ways to affect the quarterback.” 

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons actually outgained Washington 402-193 on Sunday, including the Commanders amassing just 72 rushing yards. Leading the team in tackles with eight was linebacker Nate Landman who has carved out a decent-sized role on Atlanta's defense.

Sacks came via DT Calais Campbell (1), LB Bud Dupree (1.5), LB Arnold Ebiketie (1.5) and DE Grady Jarrett (1). The Falcons will face a more veteran quarterback in Baker Mayfield next week when they take on the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and getting pressure could prove to be a difference in the NFC South rivalry.

Mayfield reportedly suffered a hand contusion in his team's 20-6 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, but he did remain in the game following the injury. Atlanta will look to continue its trend and make life difficult for somewhat-hobbled Mayfield on Sunday in Tampa, and kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. on FOX.