For the third time this season, the Falcons were unable to secure a sack, putting their pass rush on track for a historically poor performance with no relief in sight.
Coaches Jimmy Lake and Raheem Morris, along with Atlanta’s roster, have yet to find a solution to their pass rush struggles, but there may be hope as the trade deadline approaches. However, Falcons fans shouldn’t expect much from GM Terry Fontenot, who has failed to improve the team’s pass rush in three years despite significant investments.
Atlanta has used second-round picks on Arnold Ebiketie and Ruke Orhorhoro, third-round picks on DeAngelo Malone, Bralen Trice, Zach Harrison, and Matthew Judon, and later-round picks on Brandon Dorlus, Ta’Quon Graham, and Ade Ogundeji. Yet, there has been no sign of progress.
Adding to the frustration, potential trade targets are being traded for very little. For instance, Josh Uche was recently sent to the Chiefs for just a sixth-round pick.
Fontenot’s position should be precarious, especially if this trade deadline passes without any meaningful moves. At what point will we hold him accountable for his shortcomings as a GM?
While he has made some commendable moves, such as the market-value signings of Jessie Bates and Kirk Cousins, these are just the bare minimum. Fontenot needs to step up, and the upcoming trade deadline cannot go by without Atlanta making a significant acquisition.
While Josh Uche wouldn’t have solved all the Falcons’ pass rush issues alone, he would have been a valuable addition for a low cost. Given Fontenot’s inconsistent drafting, it raises the question: why hold onto late-round picks?
It’s time for him to take some risks.
