Assessing the Biggest Weakness of Each 2016 NFL Playoff Team

Atlanta Falcons: Rushing Defense

The Atlanta Falcons' defense has a lot of issues, especially with cornerback Desmond Trufant on injured reserve. It's just hard to top how bad they were against the rush.

The Falcons finished the year 31st in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play. This means they were worse than the oft-targeted San Francisco 49ers and the Browns, topping only the Chicago Bears. The Bears' entire linebacking core was basically injured or suspended by the end of the season; the Falcons just weren't good.

Thankfully, there is a way for the Falcons to mask this. If they can build a big lead early, the opposing team will have to abandon the rush to make up ground quickly. It will funnel attempts to the league's 22nd-ranked pass defense, but that is, at least, a slight improvement over their immense struggles against the rush.