FentayeJones Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 (edited) Quote The Atlanta Falcons have one of the youngest defense’s in the NFL by Colin Hubbard 11 hours ago Official numbers have not yet been released, but it appears that the Atlanta Falcons will have one of if not the youngest defense in the NFL heading into 2016. The youngest defense in 2015 was the Los Angeles Rams at an average age of 25.55. At the moment, the Falcons have an average age of 25.64 which would put them as the second-youngest defense in the league. Atlanta had the 24th youngest defense a year ago at 27.54 Their -1.9 change in age from 2015 to 2016 would have ranked them as the biggest decrease compared to last years’ numbers as well. So, how did this happen so quickly? Well, it was actually quite simple. After releasing William Moore and Justin Durant and letting Kroy Biermann walk away in free agency, they lost three players at the age of 30. Atlanta currently only has three players over the age of 30 and has 15 players at the age of 25 or younger. On paper the Falcons should have a better defensive unit than they did in 2015. However, with young age comes growing pains so this is something we are all going to have to deal with. It’s almost like we will be growing up with them through the process. Atlanta’s two starting safeties will likely be Ricardo Allen (24) and Keanu Neal (20), but where it gets wild is their linebacking corps. Atlanta’s three starters potentially could be Vic Beasley (23) Deion Jones (21) and Sean Weatherspoon (28). This is a defensive unit that will feature at least two rookies in Neal and Jones and De’Vondre Campbell will also see some playing time as a rookie as well. The only unit on this defense that has a considerable amount of playing time comes from the defensive line. Jonathan Babineaux is the Falcons’ oldest player at 34 and also features Derrick Shelby who is 27 and Tyson Jackson who is 29. We are starting to see a nice young core developing in Atlanta but this is a unit that is in no way shape or form ready to be a top defense. They are at least a year away from being great and probably two years away from being elite. Dan Quinn has now had two years to bring in players that fit his playing style and the results will start to come as a result. This will be a fun defense to watch, but at times will make you very frustrated. If you’re a fan of a high-flying defense that likes to hit and talk trash, then you’re in for a treat. http://bloggingdirty.com/2016/05/03/the-atlanta-falcons-have-one-of-the-youngest-defenses-in-the-nfl/ Edited May 4, 2016 by FentayeJones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SavvyFalcon89 Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 A defense that likes to hit????.... With that being said, there are bound to be hiccups with such a young defense so not worried about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mazetti Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 16 minutes ago, FentayeJones said: We are starting to see a nice young core developing in Atlanta but this is a unit that is in no way shape or form ready to be a top defense. Ahem, Cough. "No way".???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Day Hoe Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 Nice read Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thiccolas Cage Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 I predict that we might see a lot of penalties on the defensive side of the ball this year which is expected. I think the offense might tone it down and minimize mistakes, but defensive penalties will give yards to the opposing offense. That is something worth considering. Hopefully the position coaches gets them playing disciplined or we might be frustrated this next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mazetti Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 22 minutes ago, Da D!rty D!rty said: I predict that we might see a lot of penalties on the defensive side of the ball this year which is expected. I think the offense might tone it down and minimize mistakes, but defensive penalties will give yards to the opposing offense. That is something worth considering. Hopefully the position coaches gets them playing disciplined or we might be frustrated this next season. The Raiders.....just win. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconidae Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 Think this D could be good this year. One thing is, I think the Falcons run game will be excellent this year and the D will have to play fewer snaps. DLine is the key- if Beasley, Jarrett and Hageman develop, and Shelby and Upshaw mesh well with them, DLine could actually be a strength of the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigSmackDaddy Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 1 hour ago, SavvyFalcon89 said: A defense that likes to hit????.... With that being said, there are bound to be hiccups with such a young defense so not worried about that. Wtf is that? Reminds me of Patrick from Sponge Bob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Trav Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 Didn't even mention Upshaw who learned with the Baltimore Ravens and had a great mentor. Shelby also mentions he learned a lot from Wake, Vernon, and Suh. They may be young but they have had time to hone their craft. We will most likely sign another veteran as well. Hall or Schofield come to mind, but personally I like our chances at competing in the division. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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