The Atlanta Falcons finished in second place in the NFC South with an 8-8 record under first year head coach Dan Quinn, and Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has been quietly building the defensive side of the ball this offseason, as he looks to give his head coach an improved roster in his second season.
Quinn has a strong history of building dominant defenses throughout his career and was the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks winning a Super Bowl and reaching another Super Bowl in consecutive seasons before coming to Atlanta. The Falcons took a huge leap under Quinn in his first season as head coach, as they went from the worst defense in the league in terms of yards allowed in 2014 to finishing 16th this past season.
The Falcons still struggled on the defensive side of the ball, especially with their pass rush in 2015, and finished last in the league with just 19 team sacks. While Quinn wasn't expected to turn the Falcons into a defensive juggernaut in one season, player personal was clearly an issue that Dimitroff has been addressing this offseason.
The Falcons announced that they have agreed to terms with former Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw. The former second round draft pick out of Alabama has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with his new team and joins a defense much improved in free agency.
The Falcons were able to retain defensive end Adrian Clayborn and lured defensive end Derrick Shelby away from the Dolphins as well this offseason. Atlanta also acquired linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who is returning to Atlanta after spending one season with the Arizona Cardinals.
The addition of Upshaw with the moves they have already made in free agency this offseason has undoubtedly improved their defense, and the Falcons are likely hoping that the former second round draft pick will step up his play on a one-year deal. Upshaw recorded 51 combined tackles and two sacks while forcing two fumbles during the 2015 season with the Ravens, and Atlanta will likely look to utilize the edge rusher, giving him plenty of blitz packages.
The Falcons have quietly bolstered their front seven this offseason with some strong moves in free agency, but they should still look to acquire a pass rusher in the 2016 NFL Draft, as defense should still be the priority heading into next season.
