Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake is building a deceptive unit for 2024

The Falcons defense made major strides last season compared to the previous one. The unit improved in points and yards allowed, going from 23rd to 18th and 27th to 11th, respectively, in the NFL.

Most of the Falcons’ defensive starters are returning from 2023, including but not limited to safety Jessie Bates III, cornerback AJ Terrell, inside linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata.

Atlanta also brought in options via free agency, such as defensive end James Smith-Williams, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and two cornerbacks, and in the draft with outside linebacker Bralen Trice, inside linebacker JD Bertrand and three tackles. defensive.

Although fundamentals are the focus right now, the potential Lake sees has him excited for 2024.

“You can definitely see how violent we’re going to play and how physical we’re going to play,” Lake said. “You can see guys running towards the ball with the intention of causing pain, which you can’t do at the moment.”

The Falcons are in Phase 3 of their offseason program with organized team activities. Thursday marks their sixth OTA practice. They are off next week and will return June 3 for their final three OTA practices. The mandatory minicamp will then take place from June 10 to 12.

During all off-season work, contact is prohibited. Teams cannot fully dress until preseason training camp in late July.

“Right now, it’s the offensive advantage,” Lake said. “…But we really think that when the pads come into play – and the pass catchers can get hit, the runner can get hit, we can try to force the ball out – that’s an advantage on defense.”