Falcons DT Grady Jarrett Having 'Terrific' Season, Says Coach

The Atlanta Falcons defense has surprised many in the first part of the season. Veteran Grady Jarrett is a big reason behind that.

Jeremy Brener | Oct 13, 2022

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons boast a really young defense and the unit is still trying to figure out some specifics. However, one veteran presence is guiding them through the treacherous season.

After trading Deion Jones a few days ago, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is the only player who remains from the 2016 Falcons defense that made the Super Bowl.

His 3.5 sacks through five games puts him on pace to have one of his best seasons ever, and despite his success, he's playing like he has something to prove.

"I think it's impressive, guy gets a new contract and I don't know if there's anybody working or playing harder than he is," head coach Arthur Smith said. "He plays multiple spots for us, one of the best leaders I've ever been around."

Last season, the Falcons had one of the worst run defenses in the league, allowing 131.9 rushing yards per game, ranking 27th in the league. However, this season, Jarrett is leading the defensive line in allowing just 114.8 rushing yards per game.

"He's having a terrific season," Smith said. He's one of those guys that the longer I've been around him, the more fortunate I feel I am to be able to coach a guy like Grady... If you're going to start a program, that's the guy you start it with."

Jarrett and the Falcons face the San Francisco 49ers Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Published Oct 13, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.