NW Atlanta News

In preparation for their game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Atlanta Falcons' defense focused on working together as a unit. This "special" practice week saw all defensive position groups spending additional time aligning their strategies.

The outcome was a 27-21 victory over the Cowboys, with the Falcons allowing only three third-down conversions out of 13 attempts and sacking quarterback Dak Prescott three times, marking their highest single-game sack total this season.

"When you're on the same page, you're out there flying around, executing and playing together," said linebacker Kaden Elliss. "That's when you're hard to beat."

Elliss delivered an impressive performance with 13 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. He was awarded the game ball in the locker room afterward.

The Falcons limited Dallas' offense to a 23.1% conversion rate on third down, a significant improvement from their season average of 49%, which ranked them No. 30 in the NFL before Week 9. The defense also held Dallas to just one successful fourth-down conversion out of five attempts.

It was a comprehensive team effort. Dee Alford contributed with two crucial pass breakups in the red zone against star receiver CeeDee Lamb during critical moments of the game. Grady Jarrett added to this by sacking Prescott on a third-and-9 play in the first quarter.

"I think it was definitely an emphasis and something we wanted to be better in," Jarrett stated regarding their third-down defense. "And it comes down to what we talked (about) earlier in the week — execution."

Outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie emphasized that getting to the quarterback was their top priority since they were ranked last in sack totals before Sunday’s game. Ebiketie recorded his first sack of the season early in the match.

"The urgency was there," Ebiketie remarked. "Practice becomes game reality."

The Falcons ended with three sacks for the day, half of their previous total through eight games. Players and coaches reiterated throughout practice about "rushing as one," which led to their best pass-rushing performance so far this year.

This focus paid off against Dallas, and players see it as just a beginning.

"Definitely needed this win today and we got it," Jarrett commented. "It's gonna continue to propel us forward; we're hungry for more."