The Atlanta Falcons look like a legitimate dark horse in the NFC right now.
While their offense has turned the most heads, and rightfully so, the defense has also taken a big leap in the second year under head coach Raheem Morris.
As pointed out by The 33rd Team, a lot of that has to do with A.J. Terrell.
The defensive back has gone mostly unnoticed this season, but his numbers are elite.
According to Next Gen Stats, he has allowed an average of 1.2 yards of separation when targeted this season.
That’s the least allowed by any defensive back targeted at least five times.
In three games played, Terrell has allowed seven catches on 13 targets for 71 yards.
A.J. Terrell has allowed an average of 1.2 yards of separation when targeted this season, the least separation allowed of any DB thrown at 5+ times this season, per @NextGenStats 🔒
Terrell has allowed 7 catches for 71 yards on 13 targets in 2025 pic.twitter.com/uHYfrKBO0F
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 14, 2025
The Falcons’ defense was solid, but not elite.
That has changed under new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
They addressed their pass-rushing woes and are putting a lot of pressure on the quarterback.
That was on full display in a Week 6 win against the Buffalo Bills.
Not even reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen could get much going against their pass rush, and they forced him to regress to his old ways and make some wild and erratic throws.
The Atlanta offense is a work in progress because quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues to learn the ropes of the NFL game, and there will be some ups and downs.
But with elite players Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Terrell, this team is fun to watch.
