The Atlanta Falcons haven’t been a defensive powerhouse in a long time. Back in the 1970s, under Jerry Glanville and the famously aggressive “Grits Blitz,” Atlanta built a reputation for relentless, smothering defense. But since then? Not so much. 

In fact, the Falcons have only managed to finish in the top 10 in total defense three times since 1978, which is a jarring stat that underscores just how much the franchise has tilted toward offense over the past several decades.

Now, after years of pouring resources into their offense, including four consecutive top-10 draft picks used to build up the unit, the Falcons are finally turning their attention to the other side of the ball. With the hire of Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator, a slew of promising young draft picks, and a philosophical overhaul of the unit’s identity, Atlanta is hoping to bring back some of that long-lost defensive swagger.

New Era, New Hope at Flowery Branch

The new-look Falcons defense is very much under construction, but there’s real optimism in the air at Flowery Branch. Atlanta didn’t just tweak the roster–they committed to a wholesale rebuild, starting with a coaching staff that brings fresh energy and ideas to a group that desperately needs both.

Of course, this is still the NFL, and while the on-field product will determine wins and losses, the action off the field is buzzing as well. Online sportsbooks are offering bettors a wide array of odds on everything from rookie sack totals to Falcons’ win totals and division rankings. Sports expert Steven Brown says over thirty sports are available to bet on, plus you have the option of live betting (Source: https://www.sportscasting.com/betting-sites/georgia/). As the defense begins to take shape, expect the betting lines to shift along with public perception, especially if Ulbrich can turn this unit into something even resembling respectable.

Ulbrich, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, has brought with him a hybrid defensive approach that’s designed to merge concepts from multiple systems. “It’s going very well,” Ulbrich said recently. “We’re in the process of blending a couple of systems–a little bit from what they did last year, a little bit from what we’re bringing from New York. It’s been awesome from their standpoint. A lot of new concepts, new techniques, new fundamentals.”

It’s not just the players being challenged, though. Ulbrich admits the learning curve goes both ways. “They’re getting challenged in a lot of ways, but I’m getting challenged as well,” he added. “Learning a lot of stuff that’s brand new to me. It’s been really fun, and exciting, and challenging, and everything in between.”

A Collaborative Culture Taking Root

More than just a scheme, what Ulbrich is trying to build in Atlanta is a culture, one that encourages communication and collaboration among coaches and players alike. In today’s NFL, adaptability and trust are as valuable as raw talent, and Ulbrich wants his staff to have a voice in shaping the identity of this defense.

“That’s been phenomenal as well,” Ulbrich said of the camaraderie forming early in camp. “They’re learning me. Me and Hux (senior assistant Dave Huxtable) were just talking about it. I want our defensive staff rooms to be a collaboration in every way, and I want everyone to feel safe to offer up their opinion and speak on things.”

Ulbrich is clearly aware that this approach might differ from the more authoritarian style some players and coaches are used to. But in his mind, empowering others is the key to long-term success. “It’s a little different than some might do it that way,” he said. “So, they’ve had to learn me a little bit early on, but I think everyone is getting comfortable to the standpoint where we have so many great minds in that room, for me not to give everybody a voice would be criminal in a lot of ways.”

The ultimate goal? Eliminate blind spots. “I’ve always believed that if everyone has a voice and everyone is contributing, you’re eliminating blind spots,” Ulbrich explained. “Ultimately, if we’re eliminating blind spots, we’re giving our guys the best opportunity to be successful.”

The Talent is Young, But the Ceiling is High

Success won’t come overnight, and there’s no pretending this defense is a finished product. But there is talent–raw, exciting, high-upside talent. While established veterans like Jessie Bates III, Kaden Elliss, and A.J. Terrell are practically guaranteed starting roles, the rest of the depth chart is up for grabs. Young prospects, late-round gems, and hungry veterans will all be vying for playing time during training camp and preseason.

Much of the intrigue lies in Atlanta’s latest draft haul. General Manager Terry Fontenot took some big swings on defense, including promising names like Ruke Orhorhoro, Xavier Watts, Jalon Walker, and James Pearce Jr. These young athletes will be critical in determining whether Atlanta can elevate from defensive bottom-dweller to playoff-caliber contender. How quickly they learn the system, adapt to NFL speed, and execute under pressure could make or break the 2024 campaign.

Ulbrich, for his part, isn’t worried about the youth movement. In fact, he embraces it. His coaching style, based on open communication and shared accountability, is designed to bring the best out of players, whether they’ve been in the league ten years or ten days. And with an emphasis on fundamentals, technique, and assignment soundness, this new system may offer a solid foundation that has long been missing in Atlanta.

Defense Will Dictate the Season’s Direction

Much has been made of Michael Penix Jr. and his potential to thrive in his first full season as an NFL starter. But if the Falcons are going to surprise anyone in the NFC South, it will be because the defense steps up in a major way. After all, Penix can’t showcase his arm if he’s stuck on the sideline watching the other team march down the field.

Last year’s defense set the bar low. That reality makes improvement not just possible, but almost inevitable. Still, there’s a difference between being “better than last year” and “good enough to win.” The Falcons know that. The fans know that. And the coaching staff certainly knows that.

The good news? The building blocks are finally in place. Ulbrich brings a modern, player-friendly approach. Fontenot’s recent drafts have been aimed at fixing the team’s most persistent weakness. And the atmosphere around the defense already feels different and more urgent, more hopeful.

Time will tell if the Grits Blitz nostalgia will ever be replaced by a modern Falcons identity rooted in physicality and smart play. But one thing’s clear: for the first time in a long time, Atlanta’s defense is getting the attention and the investment it deserves.