Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has earned every bit of his $1.6 million contract by upgrading the team’s defense this season. The Falcons currently rank No. 1 in the NFL in opponent pass yards allowed per game, a bizarre statistic that stands even after the 30-0 defeat by the hands of the Carolina Panthers.
Even in the loss, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young only completed 16 of his 24 passes for 121 passing yards. Yet, because of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s regressive play calling, the defense was forced to endure 55 total plays and 31:58 minutes of time on the field.
Nevertheless, the Falcons defense allowed the Panthers to convert on just three of their 11 third down attempts, forced three punts, and tallied in one sack. Ulbrich’s unit did all of this without his starting defensive back A.J. Terrell in Week 3.
Ulbrich has to hope that head coach Raheem Morris will urge Robison to modify his offensive approach or the entire team will continue to drag along. Morris did say that Robinson will move down to the sideline to call plays for the rest of the season.
The defense has been asked to perform perfectly and forced to take the flack for being unable to stop opponents at unrealistic rates. The team will attempt to play a more complete game against the Washington Commanders in Week 4.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Jeff Ulbrich defense ranks No. 1 in pass yards